Return  this  book  on  or  before  the 
Latest  Date  stamped  below.  A 
charge  is  made  on  all  overdue 
books. 

University  of  Illinois  Library 


NOTICE:  Return  or  renew  all  Library  Materialsl  The  Minimum  Fee  for 
each  Lost  Book  is  $50.00. 

The  person  charging  this  material  is  responsible  for 
its  return  to  the  library  from  which  it  was  withdrawn 
on  or  before  the  Latest  Date  stamped  below. 

Theft,  mutilation,  and  underlining  of  books  are  reasons  for  discipli- 
nary action  and  may  result  in  dismissal  from  the  University. 

To  renew  call  Telephone  Center,  333-8400 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS  LIBRARY  AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


L161— 0-1096 


THE 


THOUSAND  AND  ONE  NIGHTS; 


OR,  THE 

ARABIAN  NIGHTS’ 
ENTERTAINMENTS. 

A NEW  EDITION. 

ILLUSTRATED. 


CHICAGO  AND  NEW  YORK: 
BELFOED,  CLAKKE  & CO. 
1886. 


li: 


■i 


c; 


PRINTED  AND  BOUND  BY 

Donohue  & Henneberry, 
CHICAGO. 


n?.7 

1 ? v.  1-- 


CONTENTS. 


Schahriar  and  Schahzenan 5 

The  Ox,  the  Ass,  and  the  Farmer 8 

The  Merchant  and  the  Genie ii 

The  Old  Man  and  the  Hind 13 

Story  of  the  Old  Man  and  the  Two  Black  Dogs 14 

Story  of  the  Fisherman 15 

Story  of  the  Grecian  King  and  the  Physician  Douban 17 

History  of  the  King  of  the  Black  Isles  23 

Story  of  the  Three  Calendars,  Sons  of  Kings,  and  of  the  Five 

Ladies  of  Bagdad ...  27 

History  of  the  First  Calendar,.  - 32 

History  of  the  Second  Calendar . 35 

Story  of  the  Envious  Man,  and  of  him  that  he  envied 38 

History  of  the  Third  Calendar. 43 

History  of  Zobeide 50 

History  of  Amine 53 

The  Seven  Voyages  of  Sindbad  the  Sailor 55 

Sindbad’s  First  Voyage, 56 

Sindbad’s  Second  Voyage 58 

Sindbad’s  Third  Voyage 61 

Sindbad’s  Fourth  Voyage 64 

Sindbad’s  Fifth  Voyage 68 

Sindbad’s  Sixth  Voyage 71 

Sindbad’s  Seventh  Voyage ...  74 

History  of  the  Three  Apples 76 

Story  of  Noureddin  Ali  and  Bedreddin  Hassan 80 

Story  of  Aladdin,  or  the  Wonderful  Lamp. 93 

Story  of  Little  Hunchback ....  1 1 7 

The  Story  told  by  the  Christian  Merchant 119 

The  Story  told  by  the  Purveyor 123 

The  Story  told  by  the  Jewish  Physician 128 

The  Story  told  by  the  Tailor 133 

Story  of  the  Barber. 137 

Story  of  the  Barber’s  Eldest  Brother 138 

Story  of  the  Barber’s  Second  Brother.. «... 139 


4 


CONTENTS. 


Story  of  the  Barber’s  Third  Brother 141 

Story  of  the  Barber’s  Fourth  Brother. . . 143 

Story  of  the  Barber’s  Fifth  Brother 145 

Story  of  the  Barber’s  Sixth  Brother 149 

History  of  Aboulhassen  Ali  Eben  Becar,  and  Schemselnihar, 

Favorite  of  the  Caliph  Haroun  Alraschid 152 

History  of  Camaralzaman,  Prince  of  Khaledan,  and  Badoura, 

Princess  of  China. 161 

Story  of  the  Princess  Badoura,  after  her  Separation  from 

Prince  Camaralzaman ....  173 

Story  of  the  Princes  Amgrad  and  Assad 180 

Story  of  Noureddin  and  the  fair  Persian 192 

Story  of  Beder,  Prince  of  Persia,  and  Giauhara,  Princess  of 

Samandal 206 

History  of  Ganem,  Son  to  Abou  Ayoub,  surnamed  Love’s  Slave  223 
History  of  Prince  Zeyn  Alasnam,  and  the  King  of  the  Genii.. . 233 

History  of  Codadad  and  his  Brothers 242 

History  of  the  Princess  of  Deryabar 246 

Story  of  the  Sleeper  Awakened,  or  the  Dead  Alive 254 

Adventures  of  the  Caliph  Haroun  Alraschid 273 

Story  of  the  Blind  Man,  Baba  Abdallah 274 

Story  of  Sidi  Nonman 278 

Story  of  Cogia  Hassan  Alhabbal 283 

Story  of  Ali  Baba,  and  the  Forty  Thieves  291 

Story  of  Ali  Cogia,  Merchant  of  Bagdad. 301 

History  of  the  Enchanted  Horse 305 

Story  of  Prince  Ahmed  and  the  Fairy  Paribanon 313 

Story  of  Habib  and  Dorathil-goase,  or  the  Arabian  Knight 329 

Story  of  Illabousatrous,  of  King  Schal-goase,  and  of  CamariF 

zaman 341 

Story  of  the  Lady  of  the  Beautiful  Tresses 392 

Story  of  the  Princess  Parizade,  or  the  Talking  Bird,  the  Sing- 
ing Tree,  and  the  Yellow  Water 440 

Conclusion 45a 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


SCHAHRIAR  AND  SCHAHZENAN. 

On  the  death  of  Schemseddin  Mohammed,  king  of  Persia, 
Schahriar,  his  eldest  son,  succeeded  to  the  throne.  This  prince, 
though  hasty  and  violent  in  his  temper,  had  many  virtues.  He 
had  the  truest  affection  for  his  youngest  brother,  Schahzenan  ; 
and  on  receiving  the  empire,  instead  of  suffering  him  to  lan- 
guish in  obscurity,  he  gave  his  beloved  brother  the  powerful 
kingdom  of  great  Tartary ; and  sent  him  to  take  possession  of 
it,  with  a splendor  suitable  to  the  dignity  of  a mighty  and  inde- 
pendent prince. 

After  an  absence  of  ten  years,  the  royal  brothers  had  a 
great  desire  to  see  each  other ; and  the  king  of  Tartary,  at  the 
earnest  request  of  Schahriar,  resolved  to  pay  him  a visit.  He 
accordingly  began  his  journey  with  a suitable  equipage  ; but 
as  the  arranging  so  large  a retinue  prevented  his  advancing  far 
the  first  day,  he  returned  privately  in  the  evening  to  his  palace, 
to  take  another  farewell  of  his  queen,  whom  he  passionately 
loved.  On  entering  her  apartment  suddenly,  with  the  hope  of 
giving  her  an  agreeable  surprise,  he  was  shocked  to  find  her 
sleeping  in  the  arms  of  a slave.  Overcome  with  rage,  the  king  /> 
drew  his  sabre,  and  deprived  them  both  of  life.  He  then  re- 
turned to  his  pavilion  ; and  though  oppressed  with  the  keenest 
sorrow,  he  determined  to  pursue  his  journey. 

When  Schahzenan  arrived  at  the  capital  of  Persia,  the  sul- 
tan received  him  with  open  arms.  But  a deep  melancholy  had 
seized  the  unfortunate  king  of  Tartary,  which  all  the  efforts  of 
his  brother  could  not  overcome.  In  vain  did  the  court  oi 
Persia  exhibit  all  its  splendor,  Schahzenan  remained  gloomy 
and  insensible.  On  a sudden,  without  any  apparent  cause, 
this  sadness  disappeared,  and  he  became  again,  all  at  once,  the 


6 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


same  sprightly  companion  and  affectionate  brother,  whom 
Schahriar  had  so  tenderly  loved  before  their  separation. 

The  sultan  of  Persia  rejoiced  exceedingly  at  this  alteration  ; 
but  he  was  also  much  surprised  at  it.  No  cause  appeared  for 
the  sorrow  which  had  bowed  down  his  brother ; no  reason  could 
be  conjectured  why  it  should  so  suddenly  leave  him.  As  soon, 
therefore,  as  Schahriar  found  that  the  king  was  effectually  re- 
covered, he  became  importunate  for  an  explanation  of  the  mys- 
tery. Schahzenan  made  no  difficulty  of  acquainting  his 
brother  with  the  infidelity  of  his  queen,  but  entreated  him  to 
cease  inquiring  why  he  had  shaken  off  the  sorrow  which  her 
baseness  had  occasioned.  The  sultan  became  alarmed ; and 
judging  by  the  reluctance  of  his  brother  that  he  was  somehow 
interested  in  the  affair,  he  adjured  the  king  of  Tartary  to  hide 
nothing  from  him. 

Schahzenan  was  obliged  to  comply.  He  requested  the  sul- 
tan would  indulge  him  only  till  the  next  day,  and  would  order 
the  court  to  prepare  for  a grand  hunting-match  to  take  place 
then.  Schahriar  complied  ; and,  as  further  instructed  by  his 
brother,  he  left  his  train,  and  returned  privately  to  the  king  of 
Tartary ’s  apartments,  where  there  was  a closet  which  over- 
looked the  gardens  of  the  sultaness.  Schahzenan  had  from 
thence  accidentally  observed  several  interviews  between  that 
lady  and  a favored  gallant ; and  from  thence  the  sultan  also 
became  a witness  of  his  own  dishonor,  and  of  his  wife's  incon- 
tinence. ‘‘It  was  this  unhappy  secret,’’  said  Schahzenan, 
“ which  removed  my  despondency  ; as  so  amiable  a man  as  my 
brother  could  not  secure  to  himself  the  possession  of  a woman, 
it  convinced  me  that  the  whole  sex  were  contaminated,  and 
that  it  would  be  idle  in  me  any  longer  to  bewail  so  common  a 
misfortune.” 

The  sultan  instantly  sacrificed  his  guilty  wife  and  her  para- 
mour ; and  being  overwhelmed  with  affliction,  proposed  to  his 
brother  that  they  should  renounce  the  world,  retire  to  some  ob- 
scure hermitage,  and  finish  their  lives,  without  being  further 
exposed  to  the  treachery  of  women. 

Schahzenan  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  oppose  the  first 
transports  of  his  brother’s  rage  and  grief ; he  gave  into  his  pro- 
posal with  great  apparent  readiness,  but  exacted  a promise  from 
him,  that  he  would  return  to  his  capital,  and  reassume  his 
throne,  whenever  they  should  meet  with  any  one  more  unfortu- 
nate in  female  connections  than  themselves. 

The  princes  having  disguised  themselves,  left  the  city 
secretly,  and  travelled  till  evening,  when  they  arrived  at  the 


AI^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


7 

sea-side.  At  daybreak  they  were  alarmed  by  a frightful  noise 
from  the  sea,  and  had  scarce  time  to  climb  up  into  a tree,  when 
they  perceived  a large  column  arise  in  the  midst  of  the  water, 
and  advance  towards  the  shore.  They  presently  found  that  it 
was  one  of  those  malignant  genii,  who  are  enemies  to  mankind, 
and  are  always  doing  them  mischief.  He  was  black,  terrific, 
and  appeared  like  a giant  of  prodigious  stature  ; he  carried  on 
his  head  a great  glass  box,  which  shut  with  four  locks.  Having 
laid  his  box  down,  he  seated  himself  by  it,  and  opened  it  ; 
when  there  came  out  a beautiful  lady,  magnificently  dressed. 
She  sat  down  by  the  monster,  who  said  to  her  in  a voice  of 
tenderness,  ‘‘ My  charming  mistress,  whom  I stole  on  your 
wedding-day,  and  have  loved  with  so  much  constancy  ever 
since,  let  me  repose  a while  by  you  ; I came  hiAer  on  purpose 
to  take  rest.”  Having  spoke  thus,  he  laid  down  his  huge  head 
on  the  lady’s  knees  and  fell  asleep. 

When  the  genie’s  mistress  perceived  that  he  was  so,  she 
raised  his  head  from  her  lap,  and  laid  it  on  the  earth.  She 
then  got  up  and  went  to  the  glass  chest,  and  taking  out  a large 
string  of  rings,  she  counted  them  over,  and  examined  them 
with  much  attention  ; then  turning  towards  the  genie,  who  was 
still  asleep,  she  exclaimed  aloud,  “ Fool,  to  think  that  jealous} 
and  restraint  can  preserve  a mistress  : notwithstanding  thy  vigi- 
lance, I find  by  these  rings,  every  one  of  which  I have  received 
from  a different  gallant,  that  I have  had  fourscore  and  eighteen 
lovers  since  I have  been  in  thy  power ! ” 

The  princes  continued  in  the  tree  till  the  genie  awoke,  who 
having  replaced  the  lady  in  the  chest,  and  locked  it  up,  took  it 
again  on  his  head,  and  returned  into  the  sea.  When  he  had 
been  gone  a considerable  time,  they  descended  ; and  the  sultan 
being  convinced  that  the  genie  was  more  unfortunate  than  him- 
self, yielded  to  the  persuasions  of  his  brother,  returned  to  his 
capital,  and  resumed  his  government.  After  some  time  the 
king  of  Tartary  choosing  to  return  home,  the  sultan  dismissed 
him  with  every  mark  of  fraternal  love,  and  on  his  departure 
said  to  him,  I have  at  length  fallen  upon  a method  to  preserve 
the  chastity  of  a wife : I will  not  now,”  added  he,  “ explain  my* 
self ; you  will,  no  doubt,  shortly  hear  of  it ; and  I question  not 
but  you  will  follow  my  example.” 

Soon  after  the  departure  of  Schahzenan,  the  sultan  chose 
the  daughter  of  one  of  his  nobles  for  his  bride  : the  nuptial 
ceremony  was  performed  ; the  lady  passed  her  night  with  her 
royal  bridegroom  ; and  in  the  morning  the  grand  vizier  received 
her  from  his  hands,  with  orders  to  put  her  to  death  immediate- 


g 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


ly.  Every  night  now  saw  a new  bride  conducted  to  the  sultanas 
bed,  and  every  morning  beheld  her  a victim  to  his  jealousy : 
the  consternation  was  universal ; there  was  no  parent  who  had 
a young  and  beautiful  daughter,  but  trembled  for  her  life  ; and 
the  sultan,  instead  of  receiving,  as  before,  the  blessings  of  his 
people,  became  the  object  of  their  execrations. 

The  implicit  obedience  which  good  Mussulmans  owe  to  the 
commander  of  the  Faithful,  had  as  yet  restrained  the  inhabitants 
of  Bagdad  from  rebellion,  nor  had  they  taken  any  measure  to 
preserve  their  children  from  so  new  a calamity ; when  the 
beauteous  and  accomplished  Scheherazade,  daughter  of  the 
grand  vizier,  undertook  to  deliver  them  from  it,  by  becoming 
the  destined  bride.  Her  father  was  astonished  when  she 
declared  her  design.  He  used  every  argument  and  entreaty  to 
persuade  her  from  it ; and  agreeably  to  the  custom  of  the  East, 
he  endeavored  to  enforce  his  reasoning  by  the  following 
apologue : 


THE  OX,  THE  ASS,  AND  THE  FARMER. 

There  lived  in  a certain  country  a very  wealthy  farmer, 
whose  lands  were  cultivated  with  the  greatest  care,  and 
abounded  with  all  sorts  of  cattle  and  poultry.  It  so  happened 
that  he  had  an  opportunity  to  render  essential  service  to  a very 
powerful  genie,  who  in  return,  at  the  farmer’s  request,  endowed 
him  with  the  faculty  of  understanding  the  language  of  all 
animals,  but  on  this  express  condition,  that  he  should  never 
interpret  it  to  any  one,  on  pain  of  death. 

Some  time  after  this  event,  the  farmer  was  walking  leisurely 
in  his  yard,  when  he  heard  the  following  conversation  between 
an  ox  and  an  ass.  Sprightly,’^  said  the  ox,  “ how  much  do  I 
envy  your  condition  ! You  have  no  labor,  except  now  and  then 
to  carry  our  master  little  journeys  ; in  return  for  which  you  are 
well  fed  with  the  best  corn,  carefully  cleaned,  and  lodged  in 
fresh  straw  every  night ; while  I,  who  work  from  daylight  till 
dark,  and  am  urged  by  the  blows  of  the  ploughman  to  toil 
almost  beyond  my  strength,  when  my  hard  task  is  performed, 
am  scantily  supplied  with  coarse  food,  and  pass  the  night  on 
the  common.” 

“Those,”  replied  the  ass,  “ who  call  you  a foolish  beast,  are 
not  much  mistaken.  Why  do  you  not,  with  all  that  strength, 
exert  a little  courage,  and  resist  such  ill  treatment  ? If  they 
give  you  bad  corn,  smell  at  it  and  leave  it ; and  when  they  are 
about  to  fasten  you  to  the  plough,  bellow  aloud,  stamp  with 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


9 


your  foot,  and  even  strike  them  with  your  horns.  Be 
assured  a little  resolution  will  soon  procure  you  better  t feat- 
ment.” 

The  farmer,  having  heard  this  conversation,  was  not  long  in 
coming  to  a resolution.  The  next  morning  the  laborer  found 
the  ox  restive  when  he  attempted  to  yoke  him  * on  which,  by 
his  master^s  orders,  he  left  him,  and  putting  the  collar  on  the 
ass,  he  fixed  him  to  the  plough,  and  with  many  blows  compelled 
him  to  perform  the  work  the  ox  should  have  done.  Nor  was 
this  all ; for  when  he  returned  at  night,  more  dead  than  alive, 
he  found  no  straw  to  lie  on  ; and  instead  of  a plentiful  supply 
of  the  best  oats,  there  was  nothing  in  his  manger  but  a handful 
of  coarse  beans,  ill-cleansed,  which  even  his  extreme  hunger 
could  scarcely  prevail  with  him  to  eat 

The  ox,  who  had  rested  the  whole  day,  and  been  fed  with 
the  provender  usually  given  to  his  companion,  received  him  on 
his  return  with  many  compliments,  and  avowals  of  obligation. 
To  these  ceremonies  the  ass  had  no  relish ; without  answering 
a word  he  threw  himself  on  the  ground,  and,  in  thought,  began 
to  upbraid  his  own  folly.  “ Was  ever  such  imprudence  as  mine  ? ” 
said  he  within  himself.  “ How  has  a silly  officiousness  undone 
me  I What  had  I to  wish  for  that  I did  not  enjoy  ? when  did 
sorrow  ever  approach  me  ? All  this  happiness  I have  deservedly 
lost  by  meddling  with  that  which  did  not  concern  me.” 

The  grand  vizier  applied  the  obvious  moral  to  Scheher- 
azade. But  finding  she  persisted,  he  became  angry.  “ If  you 
will  continue  thus  obstinate,”  said  he,  “you  will  oblige  me  to 
treat  you  in  the  same  manner  the  farmer  did  his  wife  in  the 
sequel  of  the  story.” 

The  farmer,  hearing  that  the  ass  was  in  bad  plight,  was 
curious  to  know  what  would  pass  between  him  and  the  ox. 
Accordingly,  after  supper,  he  took  a walk  with  his  wife  into  the 
yard,  when  he  heard  the  sufferer  say  to  his  companion ; “ Com- 
rade, what  do  you  intend  to  do  to-morrow,  when  the  laborer 
brings  your  meat  ? ” “ Do,  my  best  friend  1 ” replied  the  ox  ; 

“ why,  I will  carefully  attend  to  your  instructions  ^ if  my  corn 
is  not  of  the  very  best  quality,  I will  not  deign  to  touch  it ; 
and  if  he  presumes  to  lay  a halter  on  me,  I will  not  fail  to 
knock  him  down.” 

“I  fancy,”  replied  the  ass,  “you  will  think  it  prudent  to 
alter  that  resolution,  when  I relate  to  you  what  I heard  our 
master  say  to  the  laborer  just  now.”  The  ass  having  thus 
excited  the  attention  and  fear  of  the  ox,  told  him  very  gravely^ 
that  the  farmer  had  ordered  his  servarvt,  if  the  ox  continued 


f o ARABIAN  NIGHTS  ENTER  TAINMENTS. 

restive,  to  knock  him  on  the  head  the  day  following,  and  dis- 
tribute his  flesh  among  the  poor.  The  ox,  alarmed  at  this 
story,  bellowed  aloud  for  fear,  and  vowed  submission  to  the 
laborer ; which  resolution  the  ass  was  forward  to  commend. 

The  farmer  was  so  pleased  with  the  cunning  of  the  ass,  and 
the  terrors  of  the  ox,  that  he  burst  into  an  immoderate  fit  of 
laughter.  His  wife,  who  saw  no  reason  for  this  extraordinary 
mirth,  was  curious  to  know  the  cause  of  it.  He  tried  to  evade 
her  question ; but  the  more  he  sought  to  divert  her  attention, 
the  more  earnest  she  became  in  her  inquiry.  At  length,  tired 
with  her  importunity,  he  told  her  that  the  cause  of  his  laughing 
must  continue  a secret.  ‘‘You  will  not,  I suppose,’^  added  he, 
“ urge  me  any  further,  when  I acquaint  you  that  my  revealing 
it  would  certainly  cost  me  my  life.’^ 

This  assertion,  which  she  affected  not  to  believe,  made  the 
wife  redouble  her  importunities ; the  farmer,  however,  continued 
resolute,  and  suffered  her  to  pass  the  night  in  tears  without  much 
concern.  But  when  he  found  next  day  that  the  same  obstinate 
desire  of  the  fatal  information  continued,  he  was  exceedingly 
distressed.  He  called  in  the  assistance  of  his  neighbors  and 
relations,  who  in  vain  represented  to  her  the  unreasonableness 
of  her  request.  She  persisted  ; and  the  unhappy  farmer 
was  on  the  point  of  gratifying  her,  at  the  expense  of  his  life, 
when  an  incident  determined  him  to  alter  his  intention. 

Going  out  of  his  door,  he  heard  his  faithful  dog  relating  with 
concern  the  story  of  his  embarrassment  to  a cock,  who  heard  it 
with  much  contempt.  “A  pretty  fellow,  truly,”  replied  the 
cock,  “ is  this  master  of  ours,  who  cannot  manage  one  wife, 
when  I govern  fifty  I Let  him  take  a good  crab-stick,  and  use 
it  properly,  I will  engage  she  will  soon  dismiss  her  impertinent 
curiosity.”  The  honest  farmer  took  the  hint ; his  wife  returned 
to  her  duty  ; and  you,  my  daughter,  if  treated  in  the  same  man- 
ner, would  no  doubt  be  as  conformable  to  my  desires,  and  fore- 
go so  desperate  an  experiment. 

Notwithstanding  this  and  every  other  method  taken  to  shake 
her  determination,  Scheherazade  continued  unmoved,  and  the 
grand  vizier  was  obliged  to  announce  to  his  sovereign  the  am- 
bition of  his  daughter.  The  sultan  heard  him  with  surprise  , 
after  pausing  for  a few  moments,  he  said  to  him,  with  an  air  of 
severity  : “ I give  you  opportunity  to  recall  this  rash  offer ; if 
you  persist  in  it,  I will  receive  Scheherazade  as  my  wife,  but 
presume  not  to  hope  that  I will  violate  my  vow  in  her  favor. 
On  the  contrary,  your  own  life,  as  well  as  hers,  shall  be  for- 
feited, if  you  hesitate  for  a moment  to  execute  my  usual  orders.” 


ARABIAAT  JVIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


II 


Even  this  menace  had  no  effect  on  the  young  lady  ; and  the  un- 
happy father  was  compelled  to  lead  his  darling  child  to  the  arms 
of  his  sovereign,  with  a full  assurance  of  being  obliged  to  de 
prive  her  of  life  with  his  own  hand  the  following  morning. 

When  Scheherazade  was  introduced  to  the  sultan,  he  was 
struck  with  her  beauty  and  modest  sensibility.  Perceiving  hei 
in  tears,  he  fcr  a moment  forgot  his  barbarous  resolution,  and 
endeavored  to  comfort  her.  The  lovely  sultaness,  pleased  to 
see  she  had  made  an  impression  on  his  savage  heart,  seized 
that  moment  to  request  that  her  sister,  Dinarzade,  might  be 
admitted  to  her  next  morning,  an  hour  before  day,  to  take  her 
last  farewell.  The  sultan  readily  complied  ; and  notice  being 
sent  to  her  sister  accordingly,  the  charming  Scheherazade  suf- 
fered herself  to  be  conducted  to  the  fatal  couch,  and  became 
the  devoted  bride  to  the  cruel  Schahriar. 

At  the  appointed  hour,  Dinarzade  was  admitted  to  the 
nuptial  chamber ; w^hen  she  made  the  strange  request,  that  in 
the  little  time  which  remained,  before  they  were  to  part  forever, 
the  sultaness  would  relate  to  her  one  of  those  many  entertain- 
ing stories  she  had  read.  The  sultan,  wondering  at  so  singu- 
lar a request,  consented,  at  the  desire  of  his  bride,  and  even 
expressed  a wish  to  hear  stories  which  must  be  singular  indeed, 
to  be  asked  for  at  such  a moment,  Scheherazade,  encouraged 
by  this  wish,  began  thus : 


THE  MERCHANT  AND  THE  GENIE. 

Sir,  there  was  formerly  a merchant  whose  extensive  traffic 
obliged  him  to  travel  to  many  places  ; in  one  of  which  journeys, 
finding  himself  much  incommoded  by  the  heat  of  the  day,  he 
alighted  from  his  horse,  and  sat  down  in  a shady  grove  ; when 
taking  some  dates  out  of  his  portmanteau,  he  ate  them,  throw- 
ing the  shells  on  each  side  of  him.  When  he  had  done  eating, 
being  a good  Mussulman,  he  washed  his  hands  and  feet  at  an 
adjoining  rivulet,  and  said  his  prayers.  While  he  was  yet  on 
his  knees,  a monstrous  genie,  all  white  with  age,  advanced  to- 
wards him  with  a cimeter  in  his  hand ; and  uttering  a frightful 
cry,  exclaimed,  ‘‘Rise  up,  that  I may  kill  thee,  as  thou  hast 
killed  my  son.’’  The  merchant,  terrified  as  much  at  his  appear- 
ance as  at  his  threats,  protested  his  innocence.  “ How,”  ex- 
claimed the  genie,  “ did  you  not,  even  now,  throw  about  the 
shells  of  your  dates  ? my  son  was  passing  by,  and  you  threw  one 
of  them  into  his  eye,  which  killed  him ; therefore  I must  kill 


12 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


thee.^’  Saying  which,  he  took  the  merchant  by  the  arm,  threw 
him  on  the  ground,  and  lifted  up  the  cimeter  to  cut  off  his 
head. 

In  this  imminent  danger,  the  merchant  earnestly  entreated 
permission  to  return  home,  and  settle  his  affairs,  and  take  leave 
of  his  family.  ^‘What  time  do  you  require.?^’  said  the  genie. 
“ I ask  a year,’^  replied  the  merchant ; “ I swear  by  Allah,  that 
this  day  twelvemonth  I will  return  under  these  trees,  to  put  my- 
self into  your  hands.''  Upon  this  the  genie  disappeared. 

The  merchant  returned  home  disconsolate.  He  employed 
the  allotted  time  in  properly  regulating  his  affairs,  and  when  it 
was  near  expired,  he  took  a sorrowful  leave  of  his  family,  and 
arrived  at  the  place  where  he  had  promised  to  meet  the  genie. 
While  he  was  waiting  for  his  dreaded  approach,  he  saw  two  old 
men  coming  toward  him  from  different  quarters,  the  first  leading 
a hind,  the  second  two  black  dogs. 

They  approached  the  trees  where  the  unfortunate  merchant 
was  sitting  when  one  of  them  said  to  him,  ‘‘  Brother,  why  do 
you  stay  in  this  place  ? Do  you  not  know  that  a number  of 
evil  spirits  resort  to  it,  and  that  it  is  by  no  means  safe  to  con- 
tinue here?’’  “Alas  ! ’’  said  the  merchant,  “ I know  that  but 
too  well.”  He  then  related  his  stor}^  to  the  old  man,  who  hav- 
ing heard  it,  agreed  to  continue  with  him  until  the  genie  should 
appear. 

In  a little  time  they  perceived  a thick  vapor  advancing  to- 
wards them,  which  vanishing  all  at  once,  discovered  the  genie. 
Without  noticing  the  old  man,  he  took  the  merchant  by  the 
arm,  saying,  “ Rise,  that  I may  kill  thee,  as  thou  didst  kill  my 
son.”  The  merchant  filled  the  air  with  his  cries  ; and  the  old 
men  prostrating  themselves  on  the  ground,  entreated  for  him. 
The  genie,  with  some  difficulty,  was  persuaded  to  listen  to  their 
expostulations,  and  at  length  to  agree,  that  if  their  several  ad- 
ventures were  more  surprising  than  that  of  the  merchant,  he 
would  relent,  and  set  him  at  liberty. 

Day  advancing,  the  sultan  arose,  and  the  vizier,  in  much 
affliction,  entered  into  his  presence  in  full  expectation  of  receiv- 
ing the  usual  fatal  orders ; but  the  sultan  was  so  much  taken 
with  the  beauty  and  accomplishments  of  his  lady,  and  his  curi- 
osity was  so  much  excited  by  the  interesting  story  she  had  be- 
gun, that  he  became  irresolute  respecting  his  vow;  and  talking 
to  his  trembling  vizier  on  other  affairs,  he  left  him  in  suspense 
also  as  to  the  fate  of  his  beloved  daughter. 

The  next  morning  Scheherazade  resumed  her  narrative  with 
the  history  of 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  EJ\/TERTAINMENTS, 


13 


THE  OLD  MAN  AND  THE  HIND. 

**  I married/'  began  the  first  old  man,  “ in  my  early  life,  my 
cousin,  with  whom  I lived  more  than  twenty  years  in  much 
happiness.  The  only  thing  that  abated  it  was,  that  we  had  no 
children.  The  desire  of  posterity  induced  me  to  buy  a slave, 
by  whom  I shortly  had  a son.  I still  lived  in  great  harmony 
with  my  wife,  who  always  treated  the  slave  kindly,  and  appeared 
to  be  very  fond  of  my  boy.  Some  years  after  his  birth  I was 
obliged  to  go  a long  journey,  and  on  my  return,  my  wife  told 
me  that  my  son  and  my  slave  were  both  dead.  I lamented  their 
loss  very  much ; but  the  feast  of  Bairam  approaching,  I thought 
it  my  duty  to  overcome  my  sorrow,  and  prepare  for  the  holy 
festival. 

Accordingly,  I gave  orders  to  my  farmer  to  bring  up  one 
of  the  fattest  cows,  to  sacrifice  at  the  commencement  of  the 
solemnity.  He  obeyed ; but  when  the  cow  was  brought  to  me 
she  bellowed  piteously,  and  I could  perceive  tears  run  down 
from  her  eyes.  Struck  with  so  singular  a spectacle,  and  moved, 
I knew  not  how,  I was  about  to  send  the  cow  back  and  ordei 
another,  when  my  wife  opposed  any  exchange  with  great  vehc" 
mence.  I suffered  myself  to  be  prevailed  on ; and  though  I 
could  not  kill  her  myself,  I ordered  my  farmer  to  do  so,  who 
obeyed  me.  When  she  was  slain,  it  was  found,  notwithstanding 
her  plump  appearance,  that  she  was  mere  skin  and  bone,  and 
wholly  unfit  for  the  intended  sacrifice. 

‘‘  I immediately  sent  for  another  fat  beast ; when  the  farmer 
brought  a calf,  whose  behavior  was  still  more  extraordinary. 
He  broke  the  cord,  ran  to  me,  and  fell  at  my  feet.  I deter- 
mined to  listen  to  the  impulse  I felt  in  favor  of  this  calf,  and 
accordingly  ordered  him  to  be  taken  back  ; although  my  wife 
interfered  with  still  greater  eagerness,  and  insisted  that  he 
should  be  slaughtered. 

The  day  following,  my  farmer  desired  to  speak  with  me 
alone.  He  took  me  to  his  own  habitation,  and  introduced  me 
to  his  daughter ; by  her  I was  informed  that  during  my  journey 
my  wife  had  learned  the  black  art ; and  by  that  means  had 
transformed  my  slave  into  the  cow  we  had  unfortunately 
slaughtered  the  day  before ; and  my  son  into  the  calf  which 
had  so  narrowly  escaped. 

‘‘  I leave  you  to  judge,  powerful  genie,  how  much  I was  dis- 
tressed at  this  account.  But  not  doubting  my  informer  was 
able  to  restore  my  son,  as  she  had  the  skill  to  discover  his  situ- 


1 4 ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAINMENTS. 

ation,  I very  earnestly  besought  her  assistance.  ‘ On  two  am- 
ditions/  replied  she,  ‘ I will  restore  him.  First,  that  you  give 
him  me  for  a husband  ; and  secondly,  that  you  permdt  me  to 
punish,  as  she  deserves,  the  wicked  enchantress  who  has  trans- 
formed him.’  I consented  ; she  then  pronounced  certain  words, 
and  sprinkling  my  son  with  water,  he  resumed  his  shape.  He 
joyfully  married  his  fair  benefactress,  who  changed  my  wicked 
wife  into  the  hind  you  see  here.” 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  OLD  MAN  WITH  THE  TWO  BLACK 

DOGS. 

“ Prince  of  genii,”  said  the  second  old  man,  these  dogs 
and  myself  are  brothers.  On  the  death  of  our  father  we  di- 
vided his  substance  among  us,  and  each  received  a thousand 
sequins.  One  of  my  brothers  resolved  to  travel,  laid  out  his 
money  in  goods  suited  to  the  country  he  intended  to  visit,  and 
departed. 

After  a year’s  absence,  he  returned  in  great  distress,  hav- 
ing lost  all  his  effects.  Meantime,  by  industry,  I had  acquired 
an  additional  thousand  sequins,  which  I readily  gave  him.  My 
other  brother,  not  disheartened  by  the  ill  success  of  the  first, 
pursued  the  same  measures  ; very  shortly  he  also  returned  en- 
tirely ruined.  To  him  also  I gave  another  thousand  sequins  ; 
we  then  agreed  to  remain  at  home,  and  pursue  our  business 
carefully,  without  seeking  further  adventures. 

Some  years  afterwards,  both  my  brothers  besought  me  to 
join  with  them  in  a trading  voyage.  Their  importunity  pre- 
vailed. I disposed  of  my  stock,  which  now  produced  six 
thousand  sequins,  half  of  which  I buried  in  a corner  of  the 
house,  and  gave  each  of  my  brothers  a thousand  of  the  re- 
mainder. We  arrived  safely  at  our  destined  port,  where  we 
sold  our  adventures  to  good  profit. 

“ When  we  were  nearly  ready  to  return,  I met  on  the  banks 
of  the  sea  a lady,  handsome,  but  poorly  clad,  who  very  ear- 
estly  persuaded  me  to  marry  her.  I consented,  and  having 
taken  her  on  board  the  vessel,  we  set  sail.  My  wife  proved  to 
be  possessed  of  so  many  good  qualities  that  I became  every 
day  more  fond  of  her.  My  unworthy  brothers,  envying  my 
superior  good  fortune,  seized  us  both  while  asleep,  and  threw 
us  into  the  sea. 

But  little  did  these  bad  men  imagine  the  punishment  that 
awaited  their  cruelty  and  ingratitude.  My  wife  was  a fairy ; 


ARABIA]^  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


she  conveyed  me  home,  and  conducted  the  vessel  which  had  my 
goods  on  board,  safe  into  port.  Before  I knew  of  its  arrival, 
two  black  dogs  came  crouching  to  me  in  the  most  submissive 
manner.  ‘ These,*  said  the  fairy,  ‘ are  your  brothers.  Thus  is 
their  wickedness  requited,  and  it  is  one  part  of  their  punish- 
ment, that  in  this  degraded  state  they  must  look  for  support 
and  protection  to  the  brother  they  so  basely  betrayed.’  ” 

The  genie  thought  these  adventures  so  singular,  that  he 
remitted  the  punishment  of  the  merchant,  and  disappeared  ; 
and  the  merchant,  after  suitably  thanking  his  benefactors, 
returned  home  again  with  joy  to  his  family. 

The  sultan  was  delighted  with  these  stories.  He  requested 
Scheherazade  to  proceed  next  night  to  another  ; and  going  into 
the  divan,  the  vizier,  his  family,  the  court,  and  the  people  in 
general,  were  overjoyed  to  find  that  he  gave  no  orders  to  put 
the  beautiful  sultaness  to  death. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  FISHERMAN. 

There  was  a fisherman  who,  when  young,  had  indiscreetly 
vowed  not  to  cast  his  net  above  four  times  a day.  This  vow 
he  religiously  observed  ; though  when  he  came  to  have  a nu- 
merous family,  he  had  often  occasion  to  regret  his  having 
made  it. 

One  morning,  having  thrown  his  net  three  times  without  the 
(east  success,  he  was  almost  wild  with  grief.  Another  cast  only 
remained,  which  he  determined  to  take  with  particular  atten- 
tion. Having  thrown  it,  instead  of  a fish  he  drew  up  only  a 
small  vessel  of  copper  with  a leaden  seal  to  it.  This  seal  he 
eagerly  removed,  in  hopes  of  finding  something  valuable  ; but 
to  his  great  mortification,  the  casket  was  empty.  He  threw  it 
on  the  ground,  and  continued  to  eye  it  in  a kind  of  despair, 
when  he  perceived  a thick  smoke  to  come  out  of  it,  which 
mounted  to  the  clouds,  and  extending  itself  along  the  sea  and 
shore,  formed  a great  mist.  When  the  smoke  was  all  out  of 
the  vessel,  it  connected  itself  into  one  body  which  formed  an 
enormous  genie. 

At  the  sight  of  so  terrible  a figure,  the  fisherman  would  have 
fled,  but  was  too  much  terrified.  Solomon,  Solomon,  the 
great  prophet  1 ” exclaimed  the  genie,  pardon,  pardon,  par- 
don ; I never  more  will  oppose  your  will ! ” The  fisherman 
hearing  this  took  courage,  and  said,  ‘‘  Thou  proud  spirit,  what 
is  it  thou  talkest  of  ? it  is  eighteen  hundred  years  ago  since  the 


1 6 ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

prophet  Solomon  died  I Tell  me  your  history,  and  how  you 
came  to  be  shut  up  in  that  vessel.’^ 

The  genie  turning  to  his  deliverer,  with  a fierce  look  said, 
‘‘  Thou  art  very  bold  to  call  me  a proud  spirit.  Speak  to  me 
more  civilly  before  I kill  thee.’^  ‘‘  What,’’  replied  the  fisher- 
man, would  you  kill  me  for  setting  you  at  liberty  ? Is  that 
the  way  you  reward  the  service  I have  done  you  ? ‘‘  I cannot 

treat  you  otherwise,”  replied  the  genie  ; and  that  you  may  be 
convinced  of  it,  listen  to  my  story : I am  one  of  those  rebellious 
spirits  who  opposed  themselves  to  the  will  of  Heaven.  The 
other  genii  owned  Solomon  the  great  prophet,  and  submitted 
to  him.  Sacar  and  I only  resisted.  That  potent  monarch 
caused  me  to  be  seized  and  brought  by  force  before  his  throne  ! 
when,  as  I daringly  persisted  in  my  disobedience,  he  shut  me 
up  in  this  copper  vessel ; and  that  I might  not  escape,  he  him- 
self stamped  his  seal,  with  the  great  name  of  God  engraved  on 
it,  upon  this  leaden  cover,  and  ordered  it  to  be  cast  into  the 
midst  of  the  sea. 

‘‘  During  the  first  century  of  my  imprisonment,  I swore  that 
if  any  one  would  deliver  me  I would  make  him  immensely  rich. 
During  the  second,  I vowed  that  I would  open  all  the  treasures 
of  the  earth  to  any  one  who  should  set  me  free.  In  the  third, 
I promised  to  make  my  deliverer  a mighty  prince,  and  to  be 
always  his  attendant  spirit.  Many  centuries  passed  over,  and 
I continually  increased  my  promises  to  him  who  should  render 
me  so  essential  a service  ; but  all  in  vain  ; no  one  was  so  lucky 
as  to  find  the  coffer,  and  by  opening  it  to  obtain  the  rewards 
I had  bound  myself  to  bestow.  At  last,  enraged  and  tired  with 
so  long  a confinement,  I vowed  that  if  any  one  should  set  me 
at  liberty,  I would  kill  him  without  mercy ; therefore,  as  you 
have  this  day  delivered  me,  prepare  yourself  to  die.” 

This  discourse  terrified  the  poor  fisherman  beyond  measure ; 
but  as  necessity  is  the  parent  of  ingenuity,  he  addressed  the 
genie  thus  : ‘‘  If  it  must  be  so,  I submit ; but  before  I die,  I 
conjure  you  by  the  great  name  which  was  engraven  on  the  seal 
of  the  prophet  Solomon,  that  you  grant  me  one  request,  in 
return  for  the  service  I have  done  you,  which  you  have  obliged 
yourself  to  repay  so  hardly.”  The  genie  trembled  at  the  adjura- 
tion, and  answered  hastily,  Ask  what  thou  wilt,  but  quickly.” 

“I  cannot  believe,”  said  the  fisherman,  ^Hhat  you  were 
really  confined  in  that  vessel ; it  will  not  hold  one  of  your  feet, 
I adjure  you,  therefore,  by  the  oath  you  have  taken,  to  enter 
into  it  again,  that  I may  be  convinced,  and  acquit  you,  before  I 
die,  of  ingratitude  and  murder,” 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


17 


The  body  of  the  genie  instantly  dissolved,  and  changing 
into  a mist,  extended  itself  as  before.  At  last  it  began  to  enter 
the  vessel,  which  it  continued  to  do,  by  a slow  and  equal  mo- 
tion, till  nothing  was  left  out ; and  immediately  a voice  came 
forth,  which  said,  “ Well,  incredulous  fellow,  I am  in  the  vessel 
now  ; are  you  satisfied  1: 

The  fisherman  instantly  shut  down  the  cover  ; “ Now,  genie, 
it  is  thy  turn  to  entreat  in  vain.  I will  return  thee  to  the  sea 
whence  I took  thee,  and  will  erect  a monument  to  caution  other 
fisherman  if  they  chance  to  meet  with  thee,  that  they  may  be 
aware  of  such  a wicked  genie  as  thou  art,  who  hast  sworn  to  kill 
thy  deliverer ! The  genie  endeavored  with  his  utmost  force 
to  get  out  of  the  vessel  again ; but  the  seal  of  Solomon 
restrained  him.  Dissembling,  therefore,  his  anger,  he  ad- 
dressed the  fisherman  in  a more  pleasant  tone  ; begged  him 
once  more  to  remove  the  cover,  and  promised  to  reward  him  to 
his  full  satisfaction.  “ Thou  art  a traitor,”  replied  the  fisher- 
man, “ and  I should  deserve  to  lose  my  life  if  I was  so  foolish 
as  to  trust  thee.  No  doubt  you  would  use  me  as  the  Grecian 
king  did  his  physician  Douban.  ’Tis  a story  I have  a mind  to 
tell  thee,  before  I return  thee  to  the  faithless  element  in  which 
I found  thee.” 

THE  STORY  OF  THE  GRECIAN  KING  AND  THE  PHYSICIAN 

DOUBAN. 

There  was  a king  of  Greece  who  was  sorely  afflicted  with  a 
grievous  leprosy.  His  physicians  had  exerted  all  their  art  in 
vain;  his  case  was  declared  hopeless,  and  he  expected,  every 
day  to  sink  under  the  loathsome  disease  which  oppressed  him. 
At  this  time  there  came  to  his  court  a strange  physician,  named 
Douban,  who,  after  examining  the  patient,  asserted  that,  so  far 
from  the  king  being  incurable,  he  would  undertake  to  restore 
his  health  without  either  inward  potions  or  outward  applica- 
tions. This  extraordinary  proposal  was  readily  accepted.  The 
physician  prepared  a racket,  and  besought  the  king  to  play 
at  tennis  with  it.  ‘‘  I have  lodged,”  said  he,  “ certain  drugs  in 
the  handle,  which  is  hollow ; when  these  are  heated  they  will 
penetrate  your  majesty’s  whole  frame  ; leave  off  then ; bathe, 
and  retire  to  rest,  and  to-morrow  you  will  find  yourself  perfectly 
cured.” 

The  king  followed  the  direction  of  Douban,  and  rose  the 
next  moT^ning  entirely  free  from  his  malady.  The  physician  was 
invested  with  the  most  distinguished  honors  ; the  king  loaded 


1 8 ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

him  also  with  riches,  and  the  courtiers  with  caresses ; he  be- 
came the  declared  favorite  ; and  every  one  who  had  a suit  to 
prefer  to  the  king,  solicited  the  interest  of  the  physician. 

But  amid  all  his  prosperity  lurked  the  most  fatal  destruction. 
The  Grecian  king  was  a very  weak  prince,  easily  irritated,  and 
tyrannical  in  his  disposition.  His  former  favorites  envied 
Douban,  and  seized  every  opportunity  to  excite  distrust  of  him 
in  the  royal  breast.  “ He  is  become,’’  said  they,  “ next  in  dig- 
nity and  power  to  yourself ; as  he  cured  you  in  a manner  so 
simple,  may  he  not  also,  by  methods  as  unsuspected,  cut  off 
your  majesty,  who  alone  stands  between  him  and  the  throne  ? ” 

For  a long  time  the  Grecian  king  repelled  the  insinu- 
ations. “ Were  I to  listen  to  you,”  said  he  to  his  court- 
iers, “I  should  be  like  a certain  man  who  had  a faithful 
parrot,  who  reported  to  him  the  incontinence  of  his  wife 
during  his  absence.  The  wife,  enraged  at  the  tell-tale,  con- 
trived a method  of  destroying  the  credit  of  the  bird,  and  being 
revenged  at  the  same  time.  Accordingly,  when  her  husband 
went  another  journey,  she  caused  a slave  to  scatter  water  over 
the  cage  all  night,  in  the  manner  of  rain,  while  others  produced 
the  appearance  of  thunder  and  lightning.  The  next  day,  when 
the  husband  returned,  the  parrot  complained  of  having  been 
exposed  all  night  to  the  fury  of  a continual  storm.  As  the 
master  knew  the  weather  had  been  exceedingly  fine,  he  hastily 
concluded  that  his  bird  was  false,  and  in  resentment  put  it  to 
death ; but  the  future  ill  conduct  of  his  wife  too  soon  proved 
to  him  his  parrot’s  truth  and  his  own  rashness.” 

‘‘  Sir,”  replied  his  vizier,  “ it  is  my  duty  to  be  particularly 
attentive  to  your  safety,  nor  must  I suffer  you  to  be  led  by 
specious  appearances  into  real  danger.  The  vizier  of  a neigh- 
boring king  was  intrusted  with  the  care  of  his  master’s  only  son, 
and  so  ill  did  he  perform  that  duty,  that  he  suffered  the  youn^ 
prince  to  separate  from  his  train  in  the  eagerness  of  the  chase^ 
till  he  was  left  alone,  and  had  lost  his  way ; while  he  rode  about, 
he  came  up  to  a handsome  lady  who  appeared  to  be  in  great 
distress.  The  prince  was  naturally  compassionate ; he  heard 
her  tale,  and  at  her  request  took  her  upon  his  horse,  which  he 
guided  by  her  direction.  They  came  at  length  to  the  ruins  of 
a castle  in  a lonely  place,  where  tiie  lady  desired  him  to  alight ; 
he  obeyed.  The  lady  entered  the  ruins,  and  while  he  was 
securing  his  horse  he  heard  her  say  softly,  “ Be  glad,  my  chil- 
dren ; I have  brought  you  a handsome  young  man,  very  fat.” 
Other  voices  immediately  answered,  “ Mamma,  where  is  he? 
let  us  eat  him  presently,  for  we  are  very  hungry.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


19 


The  prince  heard  enough  to  convince  him  of  his  danger. 
He  perceived  that  the  supposed  distressed  lady  was  really  an 
ogress,  wife  to  one  of  those  savage  demons  called  ogres ; who 
frequent  remote  places,  and  use  a thousand  wiles  to  surprise 
and  devour  passengers.  He  began  to  untie  his  horse  again 
with  all  diligence,  putting  up  all  the  while  prayers  to  heaven 
for  his  deliverance.  The  ogress,  returning  to  the  door,  never 
doubted  but  he  was  still  employed  in  fastening  his  horse,  and 
hearing  him  utter  prayers,  she  also  pretended  to  put  up  ejacu- 
lations ; but  the  prince  was  not  to  be  deceived  by  this  hypocrisy. 
Having  loosened  the  rein,  he  leaped  upon  the  saddle,  and  was 
soon  out  of  the  monster’s  power.  But  although  he  escaped 
unhurt,  his  royal  father  was  so  much  enraged  at  the  danger  he 
had  been  in,  that  he  very  justly  caused  his  careless  vizier  to  be 
put  to  death.  I should  deserve  the  same  punishment  if  I did 
not  protest  against  the  conduct  of  Douban,  who,  though  as 
specious  as  the  ogress,  may  be  equally  dangerous. 

The  credulous  Grecian  king  began  at  length  to  listen  to 
these  insinuations ; which  the  vizier  observing,  so  inflamed  his 
passions,  that  he  caused  his  benefactor  to  be  seized,  and 
brought  into  his  presence  to  be  put  to  death.  Douban,  aston- 
ished at  so  fatal  a denunciation,  solicited  earnestly  for  mercy, 
but  in  vain. 

“You  see,”  said  the  fisherman  to  the  genie,  “how  the  king 
treated  his  benefactor.  So  have  you  also  behaved  to  me.” 

When  Douban  found  himself  in  the  hands  of  the  executioner 
he  once  more  applied  himself  to  the  king,  requesting  he  would, 
at  least,  allow  him  to  live  till  the  next  day.  “ I have,”  said  he 
to  the  cruel  prince,  “among  my  books,  one  well  worthy  of  your 
majesty’s  acceptance : if,  when  my  head  is  struck  off,  you  will 
open  the  book  at  the  sixth  leaf,  and  read  the  third  line,  my 
head  will  answer  any  question  you  shall  ask.”  The  king, 
though  insensible  to  pity  or  to  gratitude,  was  moved  by  a 
frivolous  curiosity  to  defer  the  execution.  )( 

The  following  day,  when  Douban  was  brought  into  the  royal 
presence,  he  renewed  his  supplication  for  life ; reminded  the 
king  of  his  services,  and  in  the  most  earnest  manner  protested 
his  innocence.  The  unworthy  prince  told  him  plainly,  that  all 
he  could  say  was  in  vain  : “ Were  it  only,”  continued  he,  “ to 
hear  your  head  speak  after  it  is  cut  off,  it  is  my  pleasure  you 
should  be  put  to  death.”  The  physician,  seeing  his  fate  inevi- 
table, submitted.  He  presented  a large  folio  to  the  king : 
“ Place  my  head,”  said  he,  “ for  a moment  on  the  cover  of  this 
book,  and  I shall  be  in  a condition  to  answer  your  questions.” 


20 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


The  executioner  performed  his  office ; and  the  head  being 
placed  as  directed,  the  blood  stanched,  the  eyes  opened,  and 
it  called  upon  the  king  to  open  the  book. 

The  king  obeyed,  but  finding  the  leaves  stick  together,  he 
put  his  finger  to  his  mouth  and  wetted  it  to  separate  them. 
When  hQ  came  to  the  sixth  leaf,  he  said,  “ Physician,  there  is 
nothing  written  here  ! “ Turn  over  leaf  by  leaf,’’  said  the 

head,  till  you  come  to  the  writing.”  The  king  continued  to 
turn  over  the  leaves,  putting  his  finger  continually  to  his  mouth, 
till  the  poison  with  which  each  leaf  was  impregnated  took  effect. 
The  head,  perceiving  that  the  king  had  but  few  moments  to 
live,  exclaimed,  “ Tyrant,  you  are  justly  punished  ! ” Having 
said  this,  its  eyes  closed,  and  it  remained  without  life.  The 
king  also,  in  a short  time,  fell  down  and  expired. 

‘‘You  find,  genie,”  said  the  fisherman,  “that,  though  the 
physician  could  not  preserve  his  life,  he  contrived  to  punish  his 
ungrateful  murderer.  I am  more  fortunate  in  being  now  out  of 
your  power,  and  having  you  in  mine.  I am  now  about  to  return 
you  to  the  sea.”  “ My  good  friend,”  replied  the  genie,  “ remem- 
ber, revenge  is  forbidden ; do  not  treat  me  as  Imama  did 
Atteca.”  “ How  was  that  ? ” asked  the  fisherman.  “ Ho  ! ” 
replied  the  genie,  “ do  you  think  I can  tell  stories  in  this  confine- 
ment ? Let  me  out,  and  1 will  tell  you  as  many  as  you  please.” 
“ No,”  said  the  fisherman,  “ I will  not  let  you  out ; on  the  con- 
trary, 1 will  this  moment  cast  you  back  into  the  sea.”  “ Hear 
me,  I charge  thee,”  exclaimed  the  genie,  “ if  thou  wilt  deliver 
me,  I swear,  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  that  I will  not  hurt 
thee ; on  the  contrary,  I will  teach  thee  how  to  become  as  rich 
as  thou  desirest  to  be.” 

Overcome  by  this  promise,  the  fisherman  once  more  opened 
the  vessel ; and  the  genie,  resuming  his  form,  instantly  kicked  it 
into  the  sea.  The  fisherman  was  alarmed  at  this  action,  but 
the  genie  assured  him  he  was  safe.  He  then  led  him  up  a 
mountain,  from  whence  they  descended  to  a great  pond,  that 
lay  between  four  hills.  “ Cast  in  thy  nets  here,”  said  the  geni, 
“ and  carry  the  fish  thou  shalt  take  to  the  sultan,  who  will 
liberally  reward  thee ; only  beware  not  to  throw  in  thy  nets 
more  than  once  a day,  or  thou  wilt  repent  it.”  Having  said 
this,  the  genie  disappeared. 

The  fisherman  immediately  threw  in  his  nets ; but  though 
the  pond  seemed  to  abound  with  fish,  he  caught  only  four.  He 
was  much  pleased  to  find  them  unusually  beautiful,  and  each 
of  a different  color : one  being  white,  one  red,  one  blue,  and 
one  yellow.  Having  much  admired  them,  he  set  off  for  the 


ARABIA  AT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


21 


palace,  to  present  them  to  the  sultan.  The  singular  beauty  of 
the  fish  made  them  very  acceptable  ; the  liberal  prince  rewarded 
the  fisherman  with  four  hundred  pieces  of  gold,  and  ordered 
them  to  be  served  as  a part  of  the  entertainment  of  the  day. 

But  an  amazing  prodigy  disappointed  the  sultan.  As  the 
cook  was  frying  the  fish,  on  turning  them,  the  wall  of  the 
kitchen  opened,  and  a beautiful  young  lady  entered,  holding  a 
rod  of  myrtle  in  her  hand  ; and  advancing  to  the  pan,  she  struck 
one  of  the  fish,  saying,  ‘‘  Fish,  fish,  are  ye  in  your  duty  ? ’’  when 
the  four  fish  lifting  up  their  heads  together,  said,  ‘‘Yes,  yes,  if 
you  reckon,  we  reckon  ; if  you  fly,  we  overcome,  and  are  content.” 
As  soon  as  they  had  thus  spoken,  the  lady  overturned  the  fry- 
ing-pan, and  passed  again  through  the  wall,  which  closed  im- 
mediately and  became  as  before. 

The  cook  was  exceedingly  terrified ; but  recovering  herself, 
and  picking  up  the  fish,  she  had  the  misfortune  to  find  that 
they  were  burnt  to  a cinder,  and  utterly  unfit  to  be  served  at 
the  royal  table.  She  was  under  the  necessity  of  relating  the 
phenomenon  to  the  vizier.  That  minister  invented  an  excuse, 
which  satisfied  the  sultan  ; but  being  very  desirous  of  seeing  so 
strange  a scene,  he  ordered  the  fisherman  to  provide  him  four 
other  fish,  of  the  same  sort,  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  day  following  the  fisherman  obeyed  the  vizier^s  orders, 
and  to  his  great  joy  received  another  four  hundred  pieces  of 
gold.  The  vizier  shut  himself  up  with  the  cook,  who  placed 
the  fish  on  the  fire,  and  on  turning  them,  when  fried  on  one 
side,  the  wall  again  opened,  the  lady  appeared,  the  same 
dialogue  passed  between  her  and  the  fish ; when,  having  over- 
turned the  pan,  she  retired,  and  the  wall  closed  as  on  the  pre- 
ceding day. 

The  vizier,  astonished  beyond  measure  at  so  great  a pro- 
digy, failed  not  to  relate  the  matter  to  the  sultan.  That  prince 
was  equally  surprised,  and  impatient  to  see  so  strange  a scene 
himself.  The  fisherman  provided  four  more  fish  on  the  follow- 
ing day,  and  again  received  a sum  which  was  to  him  quite  a 
treasure.  The  sultan,  attended  by  his  vizier,  retired  into  his 
closet;  the  fish  were  placed  on  the  fire,  and  on  turning  them 
the  wall  opened ; but  instead  of  the  young  lady,  there  came  out 
a gigantic  black,  in  the  habit  of  a slave,  who  advanced  with  an 
air  of  anger  to  the  pan,  and  touching  one  of  the  fish,  said,  in  a 
ternble  voice,  “ Fish,  are  ye  in  your  duty  1 ” At  these  words 
the  fish  raised  up  their  heads,  and  answered,  “ Yes,  yes,  we  are  ; 
if  you  reckon,  we  reckon ; if  you  pay  your  debts,  we  pay  ours  ; 
if  you  fly,  we  overcome,  and  are  content.”  The  black  then 


22 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


threw  the  pan  into  the  middle  of  the  closet,  and  the  fish  were 
reduced  to  coal.  Having  done  this,  he  retired  fiercely,  and  the 
wall  shut,  and  remained  as  before. 

When  the  sultan  recovered  from  his  astonishment,  he  sent 
for  the  fisherman,  to  know  where  he  caught  these  extraordinary 
fish  ; and  finding  it  was  near  the  city,  he  ordered  his  usual 
retinue,  and  set  off  immediately.  On  ascending  the  mountain, 
the  pond  and  an  immense  plain  beyond  it  presented  themselves, 
which  no  one  remembered  to  have  seen  before.  The  sultan 
ordered  his  court  to  encamp  by  the  side  of  the  pond,  and  re- 
tired to  his  pavilion  with  his  vizier.  To  him  the  sultan  de- 
clared his  resolution  of  exploring,  alone,  this  new-discovered 
plain,  in  hopes  of  finding  out  the  cause  of  so  many  wonderful 
events.  He  commanded  the  vizier  to  detain  his  attendants  on 
that  spot,  and  to  excuse  to  them  his  not  appearing,  under  the 
pretence  of  his  being  indisposed. 

At  the  dawn  of  the  morning,  the  sultan  set  forward,  and  by 
sunrise  he  saw  before  him  a great  building,  which  proved  to  be 
a magnificent  palace  of  black  marble.  As  the  gates  were  open, 
the  prince  entered,  but  met  not  any  living  creature.  He  wan- 
dered through  many  spacious  apartments,  all  furnished  in  the 
most  splendid  manner,  and  kept  in  the  most  exact  order.  He 
called  out  aloud,  but  no  one  answered.  After  walking  about  a 
long  time,  he  grew  weary  ; and  sitting  down,  was  beginning  to 
reflect  on  the  wonders  which  had  happened,  when  he  was  in- 
terrupted by  the  voice  of  one  complaining.  He  listened  atten- 
tively ; and  following  the  sound  he  came  to  a magnificent  hall, 
at  the  upper  end  of  which,  on  a throne  of  burnished  gold,  sat  a 
handsome  young  man,  richly  habited  in  regal  attire,  but  op- 
pressed with  the  deepest  melancholy.  As  the  sultan  drew  near, 
he  saluted  him.  The  young  prince  returned  the  salute,  by  bow- 
ing his  head.  ‘‘  I ought  to  rise,  sir,’^  said  he  to  the  sultan,  “ to 
receive  you  ; but,  alas  ! I can  but  too  well  apologize  for  con- 
tinuing in  this  posture.”  Saying  this,  he  drew  aside  his  robe, 
and  discovered  to  the  sultan  that  he  was  only  a man  from  the 
head  to  the  girdle,  and  that  the  other  part  of  his  body  was  black 
marble. 

“ What  you  show  me,”  said  the  sultan,  fills  me  with  grief 
and  horror.  I conjure  you,  most  unfortunate  prince,  to  relate 
to  me  by  what  accident  you  have  been  reduced  to  your  present 
situation.  I am  persuaded  your  story  is  somehow  connected 
with  certain  extraordinary  events  which  have  occurred  to  me 
lately.  Perhaps  fortune  has  led  me  hither  to  be  of  service  to 
fou.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


23 


Alas  ! replied  the  young  man,  “ I have  no  hope  of  relief  ; 
yet,  though  I must  renew  my  grief  by  repeating  my  story,  your 
appearance,  as  well  as  your  offers  of  assistance,  entitle  you  to 
compliance/^ 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  KING  OF  THE  BLACK  ISLES. 

‘‘  I succeeded  my  father  to  the  throne  of  the  Black  Isles  a 
few  years  ago,  and  invited  to  share  it  with  me  a young  lady 
whom  I had  loved  from  my  earliest  infancy.  She  was  my 
cousin  ; we  were  bred  up  together ; and  I had  every  reason  to 
suppose  I was  equally  dear  to  her.  After  a short  time  I found 
a visible  coolness  in  the  queen’s  behavior,  which  afflicted  me 
the  more  as  it  seemed  to  increase  daily,  and  I could  no  way 
account  for  it. 

‘‘  It  chanced,  as  I was  reposing  on  a sofa,  two  of  her  attend- 
ants came  into  the  room,  and  supposing  me  asleep,  one  of  them 
said  to  the  other,  ‘ Is  not  the  queen  much  to  blame  to  treat 
this  amiable  prince  so  ill  I wonder  he  does  not  discover  her 
enormities.’  ‘You  do  not  know,  then,’  replied  the  other,  ‘ that 
every  evening  she  mixes  in  his  drink  the  juice  of  a certain  herb, 
which  causes  him  to  sleep,  till  by  applying  another  herb  to  his 
nose  she  awakens  him.  ’Tis  by  this  means  she  escapes  detection.’ 

“ Though  I was  much  alarmed  at  this  discourse,  I still  ap- 
peared to  sleep.  In  the  evening  I supped  with  the  queen  ; but 
when  she  presented  me,  before  we  retired,  with  a cup,  I only 
pretended  to  drink,  and  holding  it  to  my  mouth  some  time,  I 
returned  it  to  her  untasted.  We  withdrew  to  our  chamber, 
where,  as  soon  as  I lay  down  on  the  bed,  I pretended  to  fall 
into  a deep  sleep.  The  queen  immediately  arose,  dressed  her- 
self, and  having  said  to  me,  ‘ Sleep,  and  may  you  never  awake 
again  ! ’ went  out  of  the  chamber. 

“ I was  ready  to  follow  her  in  an  instant.  She  went  to  a 
little  grove  adjoining  the  garden,  where  a man  was  waiting  for 
her.  I reached  the  grove  unobserved,  and  concealed  myself 
behind  a tree  ; I listened  to  their  conversation,  and  found  that 
she  seemed  to  lavish  her  fondness  on  one  who  heard  her  very 
coolly.  Enraged  that  she  should  treat  me  so  unworthily,  J re- 
solved to  be  revenged  on  her  minion.  Accordingly,  when  /ley 
had  passed  me,  I gave  him  a violent  blow  on  the  neck  wit/i  my 
cimeter,  which  brought  him  to  the  ground.  I supposed  he^  was 
slain ; and  not  caring  to  come  to  extremities  with  the  queen,  I 
retired  in  haste,  without  discovering  myself,  and  returned  im- 


24 


ARABIAJ<r  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


mediately  to  my  chamber.  In  the  morning  I found  my  wife 
lying  by  me  as  usual,  but  she  either  was,  or  pretended  to  be,  in 
a profound  sleep,  so  that  I arose  and  went  to  council  without 
having  spoken  to  her 

‘‘At  dinner-time  she  presented  herself  to  me,  clad  in  mourn- 
ing, and  expressed  the  utmost  affliction.  ‘ Alas,  sir,’  said  she, 
‘ I am  oppressed  with  the  most  cruel  misfortunes.  I have  just 
heard  of  the  death  of  my  royal  mother ; and  that  the  king,  my 
father,  has  lost  a battle,  in  which  he  and  one  of  my  brothers 
have  fallen.  Suffer  me  to  retire  for  a twelvemonth  to  the 
Palace  of  Tears,  that  I may  pay  a proper  tribute  to  their 
memory.’ 

“ I was  not  sorry  she  thus  disguised  the  true  cause  of  her 
grief ; and  readily  gave  her  the  permission  she  desired.  She 
withdrew  accordingly  to  that  palace ; and  thither  I found  out 
she  conveyed  her  gallant.  The  wound  I had  given  him  would 
have  been  mortal,  had  she  not  preserved  him  by  a drink,  which 
she  prepared  and  administered  to  him  herself,  every  day.  But 
though  she  was  able  by  this  means  to  keep  him  alive,  yet 
she  could  neither  cure  him,  nor  restore  his  faculties ; he  lives, 
indeed,  but  he  can  neither  walk,  move,  nor  speak ; his  eyes 
alone  give  signs  of  existence,  but  not  of  sensibility. 

“ I hoped  that  time  would  have  removed  the  queen’s  sorrow. 
I suffered  her,  therefore,  to  continue  this  course  without  inter- 
ruption ; but  when,  at  the  end  of  two  years,  I found  that  her 
criminal  affliction  was  still  cherished,  I fatally  resolved  to  lei 
her  know  I was  not  unacquainted  with  the  real  source  of  it.  1 
concealed  myself  behind  the  tomb  which  she  had  erected  fot 
her  gallant,  and  became  a witness  of  her  ungovernable  folly. 
The  fondness  she  lavished  on  him  was  excessive ; nor  would  it 
have  been  excusable  had  he  been  in  perfect  health.  For  this 
adored  lover,  this  minion,  thus  doated  on,  was  a black  Indian, 
and,  as  I was  well  informed,  as  disgusting  in  his  manners  as  in 
his  person.  ‘ Alas  ! ’ exclaimed  she,  ‘ ’tis  now  two  years  since 
you  have  spoken  to  me ; you  return  no  answer  to  the  many 
proofs  of  love  I give  you.  Is  it  from  the  effect  of  your  barbar- 
ous wound,  or  from  contempt,  that  you  are  thus  silent  1 O 
tomb,  have  you  swallowed  up  the  affection  he  had  for  me  1 ’ 
Enraged  at  these  lamentations,  I discovered  myself  all  at  once, 
and  reproached  her  with  the  utmost  severity.  She  heard  me 
at  first  in  silence  and  confusion  ; but  when  I not  only  declared 
myself  the  punisher  of  her  gallant,  but  drew  my  cimeter  to  take 
away  the  remains  of  his  hi^e.  her  shame  turned  to  rage ; she  in- 
stantly began  to  repeat  enchantments,  and  pronouncing  certain 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


25 

words  I did  not  understand,  I became,  as  you  see  me,  hall 
marble,  half  man. 

“ Nor  did  I alone  fall  a sacrifice  to  the  revenge  of  this 
wicked  woman.  By  the  force  of  her  incantations  she  trans- 
formed my  whole  territory.  The  four  islands  which  I reigned 
over,  are  become  the  four  hills  you  passed  ; my  capital  city  is 
changed  to  a pond  ; and  my  people  are  turned  into  fishes  of 
various  colors ; the  Mussulmans  being  white  ; the  Persians, 
who  adore  fire,  red ; the  Christians,  blue  ; and  the  Jews,  yellow. 
This  I learned  from  her  rage  and  reproaches ; for  she  is  not 
satisfied  with  the  evils  I now  suffer,  but  every  day  she  comes 
here,  and  gratifies  her  malice  by  invectives,  and  even  by  blows, 
which  I have  no  power  to  resist.’’ 

The  young  king  having  finished  his  story,  became  over- 
powered with  grief.  The  sultan  did  his  utmost  to  console 
him.  In  answer  to  the  further  inquiries  of  his  visitor,  the 
king  informed  him  that  the  Palace  of  Tears  was  adjoining  to 
the  hall  they  were  in  ; that  the  enchantress  visited  the  palace 
every  morning  at  break  of  day,  when  she  first  exercised  her 
cruelty  on  him,  and  then  attended  her  gallant,  with  the  drink 
which  preserved  him  from  dying,  and  bewailed  over  him  his 
helpless  condition. 

The  sultan  having  revolved  these  matters  in  his  mind,  took 
leave  of  the  unhappy  king,  when  he  found  he  was  a little  com 
posed,  without  acquainting  him  with  his  intention,  lest  a disap 
pointment  should  aggravate  his  affliction.  He  found  out  the 
Palace  of  Tears,  and  as  soon  as  he  came  to  the  bed  where  the 
black  lay,  he  put  him  to  death,  and  dragging  his  body  into  the 
court  of  the  palace,  threw  it  into  a well.  He  then  laid  aside 
his  upper  garment,  and  having  blackened  his  hands,  face,  and 
neck,  and  taken  his  cimeter  with  him,  he  lay  down  on  the  bed 
in  the  same  posture  in  which  he  had  found  the  black. 

He  passed  the  night  without  sleeping,  his  whole  thoughts 
being  occupied  with  the  affair  he  was  engaged  in.  At  day- 
break the  loud  lamentations  of  the  unfortunate  king,  and  the 
severe  blows  he  heard  inflicted  on  him,  gave  him  notice  that 
the  wicked  enchantress  was  at  hand.  The  poor  prince  filled 
the  palace  with  his  outcries,  and  in  vain  besought  her,  in  the 
most  affecting  manner,  to  have  pity  on  him.  Having  gratified 
her  cruelty,  she  left  him  ; and  entering  the  Palace  of  Tears, 
began,  in  her  turn,  to  use  the  language  of  affliction.  Alas  1 ” 
exclaimed  she,  as  she  approached  the  bed  on  which  her  sup- 
posed lover  lay  ; ‘‘  can  I ever  sufficiently  revenge  the  miseries 
suffer } To  whose  jealousy  and  cruelty  do  I owe  the  wretched 


26 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


v-situation  of  my  adored  lover  ? Alas  ! my  life,  my  love,*’  com 
tinned  she,  addressing  herself,  as  she  supposed,  to  the  black, 
will  you  never  be  delivered  from  this  state  of  insensibility 
and  silence?  Will  you  no  more  be  able  to  tell  me  how  much 
you  love  me  ? ” 

The  sultan  affected  to  awaken  slowly,  as  from  a deep  sleep. 
At  last,  heaving  a sigh,  and  imitating  the  accent  of  the  blacks, 
he  said,  “ There  is  no  force,  or  power,  but  in  God  alone,  who 
is  almighty.”  The  enchantress,  on  hearing  these  words,  gave 
an  excessive  shout  for  joy ; when  the  sultan,  turning  toward 
her,  said,  ‘‘  Unhappy  queen,  if  thou  wouldst  have  my  recovery 
complete,  restore  thy  husband,  and  cease  to  treat  him  with  in- 
dignity.” The  fond  enchantress  flew  to  the  hall,  and  taking  a 
cup  of  water,  pronounced  certain  words  over  it,  which  caused 
it  to  boil,  then  throwing  it  on  the  young  king,  she  said,  ‘‘  If 
thou  art  in  thy  present  state  by  the  force  of  my  enchantments, 
resume  thy  natural  powers.”  On  her  uttering  these  words,  the 
prince  instantly  found  himself  restored ; the  joy  he  felt  was 
scarcely  allayed  by  the  insolence  of  his  enemy,  who  directed 
him,  in  the  haughtiest  manner,  to  leave  the  palace  immediately, 
and  be  seen  there  no  more  on  pain  of  death. 

The  enchantress  returned  with  impatience  to  her  supposed 
lover,  and  was  delighted  to  find  him  appear  much  better.  As 
she  was  hastening  towards  him,  the  sultan  cried  out,  “ Stop, 
wretched  lady ; if  thou  appproachest  nearer  to  me,  I shall  re- 
lapse into  my  former  state  of  insensibility  ; my  recovery  can- 
not be  perfect  until  thou  hast  reversed  all  thy  enchantments, 
which  have  produced  such  fatal  consequences  to  thy  husband’s 
subjects  and  territory.” 

The  enchantress,  elated  with  joy  and  hope,  immediately 
withdrew,  and  in  a tew  minutes  dissolved  all  her  spells,  and  re- 
stored everything  to  its  former  condition.  The  fishes  became 
men ; the  houses  and  shops  were  again  filled  with  their  inhabi- 
tants ; and  the  sultan’s  retinue  were  astonished  to  find  them- 
selves in  the  middle  of  a large  and  populous  city. 

The  wicked  magician  hastened  back  to  the  Palace  of  Tears, 
and  was  transported  to  see  her  supposed  lover  sitting  on  the 
bed.  Fearing,  however,  to  approach  him  too  hastily,  she  re- 
strained herself,  and  said,  ‘‘  I have  in  all  things  obeyed  you ; 1 
have  restored  to  its  first  state  everything  that  I had  trans- 
formed.” ‘‘  ’Tis  well,”  replied  the  sultan,  rising  up,  and  going 
towards  her ; come  now,  and  receive  the  reward  thou  hast  de- 
served. As  she  flew  to  meet  him,  he  with  one  blow  of  his 
cimeter,  put  an  end  to  her  life,  at  once  punishing  her  past 
crimes^  and  preventing  her  reueating  them 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


2^ 


The  joy  of  the  king  and  people  of  the  Black  Isles,  on  their 
deliverance,  was  extreme.  The  sultan  heartily  congratulated 
the  king,  inviting  him  at  the  same  time  to  pass  a few  days  in 
his  capital,  which  they  might  reach  in  a few  hours’  ride,  but 
the  king  of  the  isles  undeceived  him.  ‘‘  Though,”  said  he, 
“ you  came  hither  in  that  time,  yet  now  the  enchantment  is 
ended,  you  will  find  it  several  months’  journey  to  the  confines 
of  your  dominions.  I will,  however,  readily  attend  you,  and 
ever  acknowledge  my  obligation  to  you  to  the  last  moment  of 
my  life.” 

Accordingly,  after  a few  days’  repose,  the  young  king  added 
a hundred  camels,  laden  with  inestimable  riches,  to  the  retinue 
of  the  sultan  ; and  joining  the  same  with  many  of  his  nobles,  he 
conducted  that  prince  to  his  capital,  where  they  were  received 
by  the  faithful  inhabitants  with  the  loudest  acclamations. 

Nor  was  the  fisherman  forgot.  As  he  was  the  cause  of  the 
discovery,  the  sultan  gave  him  a plentiful  estate,  which  abund 
antly  gratified  his  utmost  wishes. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  THREE  CALENDARS,  SONS  OF  KINGS, 
AND  OF  THE  FIVF  LADIES  OF  BAGDAD. 

In  the  reign  of  Caliph  Haroun  Alraschid  there  was  at  Bag 
dad  a porter  who  was  remarkable  for  his  wit  and  good  humor 
One  day,  as  he  was  waiting  for  employment,  a young  and  hand* 
some  lady  called  to  him.  The  porter  was  so  struck  with  her 
appearance  and  affability,  that  he  followed  her  with  joy,  and  ex* 
claimed,  “ O happy  day ! a day  of  good  luck  1 ” 

The  lady  knocked  at  a gate,  and  a Christian  of  venerable 
appearance  opened  it.  She  put  money  into  his  hand,  withoui 
speaking  a word  ; when  he,  knowing  what  she  wanted,  brought 
her  a large  bottle  of  wine,  which  the  porter  put  into  his  basket. 
From  thence  they  proceeded  to  the  different  dealers  in  provi- 
sions, fruits,  and  perfumes,  till  the  basket  was  quite  full.  Mean- 
time, the  porter,  by  his  ready  wit  and  cheerful  obedience,  in- 
gratiated himself  very  much  into  the  lady’s  favor.  Having 
finished  their  marketing,  they  arrived  at  a haifdsome  house, 
where  the  lady,  whose  name  was  Amine,  caused  the  porter  to 
take  the  provisions  from  his  basket,  for  the  inspection  of  her 
sisters,  Zobeide  and  Safie. 

The  porter  having  delivered  his  load,  was  handsomely  oaid, 
but  instead  of  retiring,  as  he  ought  to  have  done,  he  continued 
lingering  in  the  presence  of  the  ladies.  Zobeide,  supposing 


28 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


him  not  satisfied  with  his  pay,  offered  to  give  him  more.  I am 
overpaid  already,  madam,’’  replied  he,  ‘‘  and  am  sensible  I 
ought  not  to  have  stayed  here  so  long.  But,  permit  me  to  say, 
I am  surprised  to  see  no  man  in  company  with  such  beautiful 
ladies ; you  know  the  company  of  women  without  men  is  as 
dull  as  the  company  of  men  without  women.  Besides,  the 
Bagdad  proverb  is  allowed  to  be  a good  one,  which  says,  ‘ Or.c 
is  never  well  at  table,  except  there  be  four  in  company.’  ” 

The  ladies  laughed  heartily  at  this  discourse  of  the  porter, 
who,  encouraged  by  their  good-humor,  pressed  his  suit  in  such 
sprightly  terms,  that  convinced  them  that  his  education  had 
been  above  his  condition.  Notwithstanding  which,  Zobeide, 
recovering  her  serious  air,  was  about  to  reprimand  his  pre- 
sumption, when  Amine  interfered,  and  besought  her  sisters  to 
let  him  stay  and  share  their  entertainment.  The  porter  could 
not  restrain  his  joy  on  their  consenting  ; he  would  have  restored 
the  money  he  had  received,  but  the  grave  Zobeide  ordered  him 
to  keep  it.  “ That  which  we  have  once  given,”  said  she,  “ to 
reward  those  who  have  served  us,  we  never  take  again.” 

They  sat  down  to  their  repast  together.  After  they  had 
eaten  a little.  Amine  took  a cup,  filled  out  wine,  and  drank  first 
herself,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Arabians  ; she  then 
filled  the  cup  for  her  sisters,  and  last  for  the  porter,  who,  as  he 
received  it,  kissed  her  hand,  and  before  he  drank,  sung  a song 
to  this  purpose  : “ That  as  the  wind  brings  along  with  it  the 
sweet  scent  of  the  perfumed  places  through  which  it  passes,  so 
the  wine  he  was  going  to  drink,  coming  from  her  fair  hand, 
received  a more  exquisite  taste  than  what  it  had  of  itself.” 
This  song  pleased  the  ladies  highly,  and  the  time  they  were  at 
dinner  passed  away  very  pleasantly  ; after  which,  Safie  reminded 
the  porter  that  it  was  time  for  him  to  depart.  He  received 
this  hint  with  visible  reluctance,  and  Amine  once  more  became 
his  advocate  with  her  sisters  ; who,  to  oblige  her,  readily  agreed 
he  should  continue  till  evening. 

Zobeide,  having  signified  their  consent,  turned  to  the  porter 
and  said,  One  condition  you  must  carefully  observe ; that 
whatsoever  we  do  in  your  presence,  you  take  heed  not  to  inquire 
the  reason  of,  nor  presume  to  dive  into  the  motive  of  our  ac- 
tions. That  you  may  perceive  this  is  an  invariable  rule  with 
us,  rise  up,  and  read  what  is  written  over  our  gate,  and  then 
you  may  stay.”  The  porter,  having  read  there  this  sentence 
in  golden  letters,  “ he  who  speaks  of  things  that  do  not 

CONCERN  HIM,  SHALL  HEAR  OF  THINGS  THAT  WILL  NOT  PLEASE 

HIM,”  replied,  “ I give  you  my  oath,  ladies,  that  you  shall 


ARABIAJV  N'lGHTS’  EI^TERTAmMENTS. 


29 

never  hear  me  speak  of  anything  which  doet^  not  concern  me, 
or  wherein  you  have  any  concern.” 

During  supper  they  sang,  and  repeated  verses.  The  ladies 
took  pleasure  in  fuddling  the  port.c:,  while  they  invited  him  to 
drink  their  healths  ; mirth  and  good-humor  abounded,  when 
they  were  interrupted  by  a loud  knocking  at  the  gate. 

Safie  withdrew  to  inquire  the  cause,  and  presently  returned, 
acquainted  her  sisters  that  three  calendars  were  at  the  gate, 
who  earnestly  solicited  to  be  received  into  the  house,  or  even 
admitted  within  the  porch,  for  one  night,  being  all  strangers  just 
arrived  at  Bagdad  ; Safie  added  that  they  were  young,  handsome, 
and  of  good  address ; though  each  of  them  was  deprived  of  his 
right  eye.  Zobeide  and  Amine,  finding  Safie  was  desirous  they 
should  be  entertained,  desired  her  to  introduce  them ; but  to 
be  very  explicit  in  telling  them  the  terms  on  which  they  were 
admitted. 

Safie  accordingly  led  them  in,  after  having  shown  them  the 
writing  over  the  gate,  and  laid  the  same  injunctions  on  them  that 
the  porter  had  received,  to  which  they  each  promised  exact 
obedience.  Having  paid  their  respects  to  the  ladies,  one  of 
them  cast  his  eye  upon  the  porter,  who  was  clad  much  like  those 
calendars  who  neither  shave  their  beards  nor  eyebrows,  and 
exclaimed,  “See,  we  have  got  one  of  our  revolted  Arabian 
brethren  ! ” 

The  porter,  who  was  half  asleep,  and  warm  with  wine,  was 
affronted  at  these  words ; and  with  a fierce  look,  answered, 
“ Sit  you  down,  and  do  not  meddle  with  what  does  not  concern 
you : have  you  not  read  the  inscription  over  the  gate  ? do  not 
pretend  to  make  people  live  after  your  fashion,  but  follow  ours.” 
The  calendar  apologized  to  the  captious  porter,  and  the  ladies 
interposing,  pacified  him.  After  the  strangers  had  received 
suitable  refreshment,  various  instruments  of  music  were  intro- 
duced ; the  ladies  each  took  one,  the  calendars  did  the  same, 
and  began  a concert  of  music,  which  was  interrupted  by  another 
loud  knocking. 

The  caliph  Haroun  Alraschid  was  accustomed  to  walk 
abroad  in  disguise  very  often  by  night,  accompanied  by  Giafar, 
his  grand  vizier,  and  Mesrour,  chief  of  the  eunuchs,  to  inspect 
into  the  order  of  the  city,  and  see  that  the  duty  of  the  magis- 
trates was  properly  executed.  Passing  by  the  palace  of  the 
ladies,  he  heard  the  sound  of  music  and  jollity,  and  chose  to  in- 
quire into  the  reason  of  it.  The  vizier  represented  to  him  that 
it  was  not  yet  an  unlawful  hour,  and  that  by  disturbing  their 
mirth,  in  that  disguise,  he  would  probably  expose  himself  to  in- 


3^ 


ARABIAI\r  ATIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMEI^TS 


suit ; but  the  impatient  caliph  put  an  end  to  his  remonstrancesj 
by  ordering  him  to  knock  loudly  at  the  gate.  On  Safie  ap- 
pearing, Giafar  represented  to  her  that  they  were  Maussol 
merchants,  strangers  in  Bagdad,  who  having  rambled  a consid- 
erable way  from  their  khan  (or  inn),  were  at  a loss  to  find  it ; 
they  therefore  besought  from  their  hospitality  the  favor  of 
passing  the  night  under  their  protection. 

The  ladies,  having  already  admitted  the  calendars,  made 
no  hesitation  to  receive  also  those  pretended  merchants.  The 
customary  caution  of  the  family  was  given  to  them,  which  they 
promised  to  observe  ; the  diversions  were  resumed  ; the  cal- 
endars rose  and  danced  after  their  manner,  and  every  one 
endeavored  to  contribute  to  the  pleasure  of  the  company. 

After  some  time,  Zobeide  arose,  and  taking  Amine  by  the 
hand,  said,  with  a sigh,  “ Sister,  it  grows  late ; it  is  time  for  us 
to  proceed  to  what  we  are  wont  to  do.  The  company  are  care- 
fully cautioned,  therefore  their  presence  need  not  delay  a 
business  which  must  not  be  dispensed  with.^^ 

Amine  withdrew,  and  returned  immediately,  leading  two  black 
bitches,  which  appeared  to  have  been  severely  beaten.  She 
delivered  the  chain  of  one  to  the  porter,  and  led  the  other  into 
the  middle  of  the  room.  Zobeide  appeared  much  distressed  ; 
but  receiving  the  bitch  from  her  sister,  she  said,  “ Alas  ! we 
must  perform  our  duty  ! ” The  bitch  at  the  same  time  began 
to  cry,  and  holding  up  her  head,  in  an  entreating  manner,  to 
supplicate  compassion.  Zobeide,  notwithstanding,  having  re- 
ceived rods,  disregarded  her  cries,  and  whipped  her  for  a long 
time,  with  great  severity ; after  which  she  flung  away  the  rods 
with  indignation,  raised  up  the  streaming  animal  by  the  paws, 
wept  over  her,  and  having  wiped  the  tears  from  the  eyes  of  the 
bitch,  she  kissed  her  and  delivered  her  to  Amine,  who  led  her 
away.  She  then  received  the  other  bitch  from  the  porter,  and 
treated  her  in  the  same  manner ; discovered  the  same  reluctance, 
the  same  severity,  the  same  sympathy,  and  dismissed  her  with 
equal  marks  of  affection. 

As  soon  as  Zobeide  had  recovered  from  her  fatigue.  Amine 
took  a lute  and  played  a plaintive  tune,  which  she  accompanied 
with  her  voice.  Having  played  and  sung  for  some  time,  she 
became  transported  with  her  own  melody,  and  her  powers  failing 
her,  she  fainted  away.  Zobeide  and  Safie  flew  to  her  assistance, 
and  endeavored  to  recover  her.  But  the  fit  not  yielding  to 
common  methods,  they  were  obliged,  for  air,  to  lay  bare  her 
bosom,  which  appeared  bruised,  and  so  full  of  scars  as  to  shock 
the  beholders. 


ARABIAN  NIGHT'S'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


6^ 

. When  the  caliph  was  first  introduced,  he  was  struck  v/ith 
the  beauty  and  elegant  manners  of  the  ladies ; the  singular 
appearance  of  the  calendars,  all  young  men  of  polite  address, 
and  all  blind  of  the  right  eye,  had  exceedingly  engaged  his  at- 
tention. He  was  astonished  at  the  conduct  of  Zobeide,  in  so 
severely  whipping  the  two  bitches  and  afterwards  crying  with 
them  ; wiping  away  their  tears,  and  kissing  them,  though  such 
animals  are  considered  by  the  Mussulman  religion  as  unclean  ; 
and  the  sight  of  Amine’s  bosom  excited  his  highest  indignation 
against  the  person  who  had  so  cruelly  abused  her.  Yet  he 
still  suffered  himself  to  be  restrained  by  the  conditions  imposed 
on  him  and  his  companions.  While  he  was  meditating  on  these 
extraordinary  events,  he  overheard  the  calendars  expressing  to 
each  other  their  wonder  also. 

The  caliph  had  not  doubted  before  but  the  calendars  were 
part  of  the  family ; but  when  he  found  that  they  were  strangers, 
and  were  equally  astonished  at  what  had  passed,  he  entered 
into  conversation  with  them.  Zobeide  and  Safie  still  continu- 
ing engaged  in  the  care  of  Amine,  the  caliph  beckoned  the  por- 
ter, expecting  to  receive  information  from  him  ; as  he  was  also 
unacquainted  with  these  matters,  the  prince  pro^DOsed  that  they 
should  all  throw  aside  the  law  which  had  been  imposed  upon 
\hem,  and  jointly  request  the  ladies  to  explain  these  mysteries. 
The  calendars  assented  to  the  proposal,  but  each  declined  to 
ask  the  question.  At  last  they  all  agreed  in  requiring  the  por- 
ter to  do  it.  While  they  were  conversing  on  this  subject,  Amine 
recovered  ; and  Zobeide,  who  had  heard  them  speak  with  much 
earnestness,  drew  near  and  inquired  the  cause  of  their  dis- 
pute ; to  which  the  porter  bluntly  answered,  “ Madam,  these 
gentlemen  desire  you  will  acquaint  them  why  you  wept  over 
your  two  bitches,  after  you  had  whipped  them  ; and  how  that 
lady’s  bosom,  who  fainted  lately,  became  so  full  of  scars.” 

Zobeide,  turning  to  the  caliph  and  the  rest  of  the  company, 
wdth  an  air  of  indignation  asked  if  they  had  ordered  the  porter 
to  make  that  request.  On  their  acknowledging  that  they  had, 
she  said,  “ Before  we  gave  you  the  protection  of  our  house, 
you  were  each  separately  cautioned,  nof  to  speak  of  things  which 
did  not  concern  yon,  lest  you  should  hear  op'  that  which  would  not 
please  you ; take  therefore  the  just  punishment  of  your  imper- 
tinence and  ingratitude.”  As  she  spoke,  she  gave  three  hard 
knocks  with  her  foot,  and  clapping  her  hands  as  often,  cried, 
‘ Come  quick.”  A door  immediately  flew  open,  and  seven 
strong  slaves,  with  cimeters  in  their  hands,  rushed  in.  Every 
one  seized  a man,  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  prepared  to 


32 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTB  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


cut  off  his  head.  The  frightened  porter  exclaimed  aloud,  “ For 
Heaven’s  sake,  do  not  punish  me  for  the  crimes  of  others ! 
I am  innocent ; they  are  to  blame;  alas  ! ” continued  he,  cry- 
ing, “ how  happy  were  we  before  these  blind  calendars  came  ; 
they  are  the  cause  of  this  misfortune ; there  is  no  town  in  the 
world  but  falls  to  ruin,  wherever  these  inauspicious  fellows 
come  ! ” 

The  caliph,  alarmed  at  his  situation,  was  about  to  discover 
himself,  when  Zobeide,  who,  notwithstanding  her  anger,  could 
scarce  refrain  from  laughing  aloud  at  the  lamentation  of  the 
porter,  thus  addressed  herself  to  them  all:  ‘‘Your  unworthy 
conduct  convinces  me  that  you  are  common  fellows  of  no 
credit  in  your  own  countries.  If,  however,  you  have  anything 
to  say  before  you  pay  the  penalty  of  your  folly,  we  will  hear 
you.”  At  these  words,  one  of  the  calendars  lifted  up  his  head, 
and  declared  that  he  and  his  brother  calendars  were  princes, 
and  had  passed  through  such  wonderful  adventures  that,  were 
they  told,  would  recommend  them  to  her  pity  and  forgive- 
ness. 

Zobeide,  having  consulted  with  her  sisters,  said,  “ Relate, 
then,  those  events  which  you  speak  of ; if  they  are  indeed  sin- 
gular, they  may  perhaps  soften  our  resentment.”  The  slaves 
then  suffered  them  to  rise,  and  the  calendar  who  had  thus  far 
prevailed  with  the  affronted  lady  to  suspend  their  resentment, 
began  his  story. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  FIRST  CALENDAR 

“ My  grandfather  reigned  over  two  adjoining  kingdoms ; 
one  of  which  he  bequeathed  at  his  death  to  my  father,  and  the 
other  to  his  younger  son.  As  the  utmost  cordiality  subsisted 
between  the  two  brothers,  when  I grew  up  and  had  completed 
my  exercises,  I used  to  pass  a month  every  year  in  my  uncle’s 
uoLirt,  in  company  with  his  son,  who  was  about  my  age,  and 
v\ath  whom  I had  contracted  an  intimate  friendship. 

“ The  last  visit  I paid  him,  my  uncle  was  absent  on  a pro- 
gress through  his  distant  provinces.  My  cousin  received  me 
with  unusual  ardor  of  affection.  After  a few  days’  repose,  he 
told  me  that  I could  render  him  an  important  service ; but 
before  he  could  explain  himself,  he  must  exact  a solemn  oath, 
that  I would  never  discover  what  he  should  employ  me  to  do, 
nor  any  measure  he  should  take  in  consequence  of  that  service. 
I had  the  greatest  affection  for  my  cousin,  and  doubted  not 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


33 


but  his  whole  conduct  was  regulated  by  virtue  and  honor.  I 
made  no  scruple,  therefore,  to  take  the  oath  he  required  ; on 
which  he  requested  me  to  go  in  the  evening  to  the  gardens 
which  were  set  apart  for  the  women  of  the  seraglio.  ‘ If  you 
are  seen,’  said  he,  ‘ no  one  will  venture  to  question  you  ; and 
when  a lady  joins  you,  all  I desire  of  you  is,  to  conduct  her  as 
she  shall  direct  you,  and  to  keep  my  secret.’ 

‘‘I  obeyed  his  commands;  the  lady  met  me,  and,  at  her 
desire,  I conducted  her  to  a cemetery  adjoining  to  the  city, 
where,  at  a new  tomb,  we  found  the  prince  waiting  to  receive 
us  ; he  had  with  him  a pitcher  with  water,  a hatchet,  and  a 
little  bag  of  plaster.  With  the  hatchet  he  broke  down  the 
sepulchre  in  the  midst  of  the  tomb ; he  then  lifted  up  a trap- 
door, which  discovered  a staircase : ‘ This,  madam,’  said  he, 
‘ is  the  way.’  The  lady  immediately  descended  the  stairs,  and 
the  prince  prepared  to  follow  her.  Turning  to  me,  he  thanked 
me  for  my  services  ; but  in  answer  to  my  eager  inquiries,  said 
only,  ‘ Adieu,  my  dear  cousin  ! remember  your  oath.’  Then 
letting  down  the  trap-door,  he  disappeared. 

“ I returned  to  the  palace  unobserved.  After  some  days, 
the  prince  not  appearing,  the  ministers  of  my  uncle  were 
greatly  distressed  to  know  what  was  become  of  him.  I did  not 
venture  to  reveal  to  them  what  I knew ; and  indeed,  when  for 
my  own  satisfaction  I sought  the  tomb  where  I had  left  him, 
there  were  so  many  alike,  that  I found  it  impossible  to  distin- 
guish it. 

As  the  king  continued  his  tour,  I determined  to  return  to 
my  father’s  court ; on  my  arrival,  I was  immediately  surrounded 
by  the  guards,  and  taken  prisoner.  The  king,  my  father,  was 
dead ; and  his  treacherous  vizier,  taking  advantage  of  my  ab- 
sence, had  corrupted  the  soldiery,  and  seized  the  throne.  This 
usurper  had  a personal  hatred  of  me.  When  I was  a boy,  I 
was  shooting  at  a bird  with  a cross-bow,  the  arrow  unfortunately 
hit  the  vizier  and  put  out  one  of  his  eyes.  I made  every  apology 
in  my  power,  yet  he  never  forgave  me  ; and  now,  when  I was 
brought  into  his  presence,  he  ran  at  me  in  a rage,  and  pulled 
out  my  right  eye.  But  not  daring  to  put  me  to  death  in  the 
capital,  lest  he  should  excite  an  insurrection  among  the  people, 
he  sent  me  to  a distant  part  of  the  country,  under  the  care  of 
his  most  trusty  adherents,  who  had  orders  to  destroy  me. 

“ F;cm  these  assassins  I found  means  to  escape,  and  with 
much  difficulty  I arrived  at  the  dominions  of  my  uncle,  who 
received  me  with  the  greatest  friendship.  After  having  con- 
doled me,  he  told  me  with  much  sorrow  of  the  absence  of  the 


34 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  EATTERTAmMEN'TS 


prince,  his  son.  His  excessive  grief  overcame  me ; and  not' 
withstanding  my  oath,  I told  him  all  that  had  passed  between 
me  and  my  cousin. 

“ The  king  listened  to  me  with  great  attention.  When  I 
had  finished  my  narrative,  he  proposed  we  should  go  privately 
in  search  of  the  tomb.  We  went  accordingly ; and  I knew  it 
immediately,  though  I had  so  often  sought  for  it  before  in  vain. 
We  removed  the  trap-door  with  much  exertion,  as  the  prince 
had  secured  it  on  the  inside  with  the  mortar  he  took  with  him. 
On  descending,  we  found  an  elegant  suite  of  rooms,  in  one  of 
which  was  a bed  with  the  curtains  close  drawn ; these  the  king 
opened,  and  we  found  the  prince  and  the  lady  in  the  bed,  burnt 
to  a coal. 

‘‘  While  I viewed  this  spectacle  with  horror,  I was  surprised 
that  my  uncle,  instead  of  testifying  grief  at  the  fate  of  his  son, 
spat  in  his  face,  and  exclaimed,  ‘ This  is  the  punishment  of  this 
world,  but  that  of  the  other  will  last  to  eternity  ! ’ The  king 
perceived  my  astonishment,  and  explained  his  conduct  by  ac- 
quainting me,  that  a criminal  passion  had  arisen  between  the 
prince  and  that  lady,  who  was  his  sister ; that  he  had  in  vain 
exerted  the  authority  of  a father  and  of  a sovereign  to  restrain 
these  unworthy  children ; that  before  he  began  his  late  tour, 
he  had  given  an  absolute  order,  that  the  prince  should  not 
be  permitted  to  approach  the  women’s  apartment.  ‘The 
wretch,’  continued  the  unhappy  father,  ‘ has  rendered  vain  all 
my  precautions.  It  is  plain  he  built  these  subterranean  apart- 
ments for  a retreat,  and  made  use  of  your  friendship  to  obtain 
the  misarable  partner  of  his  iniquity ; but  God,  who  would 
not  suffer  such  an  abomination,  has  justly  punished  them 
both.’ 

“ When  we  were  recovered  from  the  horror  of  this  scene, 
we  agreed  to  retire  as  privately  as  we  came  ; to  cover  up  the 
trap-door  with  earth,  and  to  hide,  if  possible,  forever  so  shock- 
ing an  instance  of  human  depravity  in  our  relations.  We  re- 
turned to  the  palace  in  the  deepest  affliction ; but  our  attention 
was  soon  called  to  other  objects.  The  vizier,  who  had  usurped 
my  crown,  was  an  able  general ; not  doubting  but  that  my 
uncle  would  endeavor  to  punish  his  crimes,  and  to  revenge  me, 
he  determined  to  be  beforehand  with  him ; he  led  the  flower  of 
his  troops  into  the  field,  and  by  skilful  conduct  and  rapid 
marches  he  contrived  to  surprise  the  capital.  At  the  instant 
of  our  return,  we  found  that  the  enemy  had  entered  the  gates. 
We  flew  to  put  ourselves  at  the  head  of  the  guards,  and  made 
a vigorous  resistance,  but  the  fortune  of  the  usurper  prevailed. 


ARABIAN'  NIGHJN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


35 


My  uncle  fell  gallantly  fighting ; all  opposition  became  fruit- 
less ; I had  no  hope  of  mercy,  I contrived  therefore  to  es- 
cape ; and.  in  this  habit,  I passed  unknown  through  my  uncle’s 
dominions.  I arrived  this  day  at  Bagdad,  intending  to  throw 
myself  at  the  feet  of  the  glorious  caliph  Haroun  Alraschid, 
and  to  implore  his  protection.” 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SECOND  CALENDAR. 

“ I also,  madam,  ” began  the  second  calendar,  am  the  sou 
of  a king.  I pass  over  the  events  of  my  early  life,  and  come  to 
that  which  introduced  me  to  so  many  misfortunes. 

My  father  having  occasion  to  send  an  embassy  to  the 
sultan  of  the  Indies,  thought  the  journey,  and  the  survey  of  a 
foreign  court,  would  be  exceedingly  useful  to  me.  By  his  com- 
mand I joined  the  caravan  ; we  travelled  for  a month  with 
safety  and  pleasure  ; when  we  were  suddenly  beset  by  a 
numerous  troop  of  robbers,  who  plundered  our  baggage,  killed 
many  of  our  party,  and  dispersed  the  rest. 

“ I had  the  good  fortune  to  escape  unhurt ; but  I was  alone, 
and  wholly  unacquainted  with  the  country.  I journeyed  on  for 
many  weeks,  and  at  last  arrived  at  a large  city,  in  a most 
deplorable  situation  : my  body  sunburnt,  my  clothes  worn  out, 
and  without  the  means  of  obtaining  others.  On  my  entering 
the  town,  I applied  to  a tailor  to  mend  my  tattered  garments : 
while  he  was  rendering  me  this  service,  he  entered  into  con- 
versation with  me,  and  inquired  who  I was  and  whence  I came. 
I made  no  hesitation  to  acquaint  him  with  my  situation.  ‘ Take 
especial  care,’  replied  the  tailor,  ‘ how  you  reveal  to  anyone 
else  who  you  are ; the  prince  of  this  country,  is  the  mortal 
enemy  of  your  father ; the  laws  of  hospitality,  or  even  humanity, 
are  little  regarded  by  him  : judge,  then,  how  necessary  it  is  for 
you  to  be  concealed.’  The  instant  I heard  the  name  of  the 
city  where  I was,  I knew  the  necessity  of  this  caution. 

“ The  friendly  tailor  was  of  the  utmost  service  to  me.  He 
took  me  into  his  house,  and  gave  me  such  refreshment  as  his 
poverty  could  furnish.  Some  days  after,  when  I was  pretty 
well  recovered  from  my  fatigue,  my  host,  knowing  that  most 
princes  of  our  religion  apply  themselves  to  some  art  or  calling, 
inquired  of  me  which  I had  learned.  Unfortunately  I had 
neglected  that  useful  custom.  ‘You  must  then,’  said  he,  ‘ sub- 
mit to  harder  labor;  for  it  will  not  be  safe  for  you  to  continuf 
unemployed  in  this  city ; join  those  poor  people  who  cut 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


36 

for  the  use  of  the  town,  in  the  neighboring  forests ; I will 
supply  you  with  a proper  habit,  and  with  implements ; you  may 
then  remain  in  safety  with  me,  till  an  opportunity  offers  of 
returning  to  your  father’s  dominions.’ 

I followed  this  prudent  advice,  and  for  a year  went  daily 
to  the  forest.  One  day,  as  I was  pulling  up  the  root  of  a tree, 
I espied  an  iron  ring  fastened  to  a trap  door ; on  lifting  it,  I 
saw  some  stairs,  which  I descended,  and  found  they  led  to 
several  stately  rooms,  in  one  of  which  I discovered  a lovely 
lady,  of  noble  carriage  and  extraordinary  beauty.  She  expressed 
the  greatest  surprise  at  seeing  me.  ‘ I have  lived,’  said  she, 
‘ twenty-five  years  here,  and  never  saw  any  man  before ! by 
what  adventure  are  you  come  hither  ? ’ 

I was  ashamed  to  be  considered,  by  so  lovely  a woman, 
as  an  humble  wood-cutter : I therefore  readily  told  her  who  I 
was ; and  requested  to  know  by  what  accident  she  had  been 
so  long  secluded  from  the  world.  ‘ Alas  ! prince,’  said  she,  ‘ I 
am  also  of  royal  birth ; my  father,  king  of  the  isle  of  Ebene, 
gave  me  in  marriage  to  a prince ; but  on  my  wedding-night, 
before  I was  introduced  to  my  spouse,  a genie  took  me  away. 

‘ I was  a long  time  inconsolable  ; but  time  and  necessity 
have  accustomed  me  to  receive  the  hateful  genie.  He  visits 
me  every  tenth  day.  If  I wish  to  see  him  at  any  other  time,  I 
touch  the  talisman  you  see  there,  and  he  presently  appears. 
He  will  not  be  here  these  five  days  ; if  you  choose  to  pass  them 
with  me,  I will  endeavor  to  entertain  you  according  to  your 
quality  and  m.erit.’  I embraced  her  proposal  with  the  greatest 
joy. 

“ The  next  day  she  introduced  at  dinner  a bottle  of  excel- 
lent old  wine  ; my  head  grew  affected  by  it.  ‘ Princess,’  said 
I,  ‘ you  have  too  long  been  thus  buried  alive  ; you  shall  not 
continue  to  be  enslaved  by  this  tyrant.  Let  him  come  ; I swear 
I will  extirpate  all  the  genii  in  the  world,  and  him  first ; and  as 
for  this  talisman,  I will  break  it.’  The  princess  entreated  me 
not  to  touch  the  talisman.  ‘ I know,’  said  she,  ‘ what  belongs 
to  genii,  better  than  you.’  But  in  vain  ; the  fumes  of  the  wine 
did  not  suffer  me  to  hearken  to  her.  I gave  the  talisman  a 
violent  kick  with  my  foot,  and  broke  it  all  to  pieces. 

“ Immediately  the  palace  began  to  shake  ; thunder,  light- 
ning, and  darkness  appalled  us.  This  terrible  appearance  in 
an  instant  dispelled  my  drunkenness.  I perceived  at  once  my 
folly  and  the  danger  we  were  in. 

“ The  princess,  anxious  only  for  me,  urged  me  to  escape 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


37 


immediately.  I obeyed  her  in  so  much  haste,  that  I left  my 
hatchet  and  cords  behind  me.  I had  scarce  ascended  the  stairs, 
when  I saw  the  palace  open,  the  genie  rushing  through,  and 
the  earth  closing  upon  him. 

‘‘  I returned  to  the  city  in  great  distress,  grieved  at  my  own 
misconduct,  and  in  despair  for  the  poor  princess.  When  I got 
home,  I paid  little  attention  to  the  joy  expressed  by  my  friendly 
tailor  for  my  safe  return  ; but  retired  to  my  chamber,  and  gave 
myself  up  to  the  most  tormenting  reflections. 

From  these  I was  soon  roused  by  my  host,  who  came  to 
tell  me  that  an  old  man  had  brought  home  my  hatchet  and 
cords,  which  he  would  not  deliver  to  anybody  but  myself. 
I turned  pale  at  this  intelligence ; but  before  I had  time  to 
recover  myself,  the  old  man  followed  him : ‘ Do  not  these 
things  belong  to  you  ? ’ said  he,  sternly.  This  abrupt  question, 
his  terrible  aspect,  and  my  own  fears,  made  me  unable  to 
answer  him.  * While  I continued  thus  torpid  from  terror,  he 
seized  me,  dragged  me  out  of  the  house,  and  mounting  into  the 
air,  carried  me  along  with  incredible  swiftness  ; then  descend- 
ing, he  struck  the  earth  with  his  foot,  which  opened,  and  we 
found  ourselves  in  the  palace  of  the  princess  of  Ebene.  But 
alas  ! what  a spectacle ! The  poor  princess  was  lying  on  the 
ground  fainting,  naked,  and  bleeding. 

“ ‘ Perfidious  wretch  ! ’ said  the  genie  to  her,  ‘ is  not  this 
thy  gallant } ^ She,  casting  up  her  languishing  eyes  at  me,  said, 
* I do  not  know  him,  nor  ever  saw  him  before.’  ‘ What,’  said 
the  genie,  ‘ is  he  not  the  cause  of  thy  being  in  the  condition 
thou  art  so  justly  in ! and  yet  darest  thou  say  thou  dost  not 
know  him  ? ’ ‘ I do  not  know  him,’  replied  the  princess.  ‘ If 

so,’  said  the  genie,  presenting  a cimeter  to  her,  ‘ cut  off  his 
head.’  ‘ Alas  ! ’ replied  the  princess,  ‘ I am  not  able  to  obey 
your  barbarous  command,  even  if  I were  willing.’  The  genie, 
turning  from  her  with  indignation,  said  to  me,  ‘ And  thou — dost 
not  thou  know  her  ? ’ 

I should  have  been  the  basest  of  slaves,  had  I been  less 
faithful  to  her  than  the  princess  was  to  me.  I therefore 
answered  firmly,  ‘ I know  her  not,  nor  have  ever  seen  her  be- 
fore.’ ‘ Take  then  the  cimeter,’  said  the  genie,  ‘ and  cut  off 
her  head ! I shall  then  be  convinced  of  your  innocence,  and 
will  set  you  at  liberty.’  ‘ With  all  my  heart,’  replied  I. 

“ The  unhappy  princess  cast  up  to  me  a look  expressive  of 
her  readiness  to  die  for  my  safety  ; but  nothing  could  be  further 
from  my  intention  than  to  perpetrate  such  a crime.  Checking, 
therefore,  my  seeming  readiness,  I paused  a moment,  and  then 


<7 8 ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

o 

said  to  the  genie,  ‘ I cannot  bring  myself  to  take  away  the  life 
of  an  unhappy  lady,  who  hath  done  me  no  wrong.  If  by  mur- 
der only  I can  escape  your  unjust  resentment,  I am  in  your 
power,  and  you  must  do  with  me  as  you  please.’ 

‘ I see,’  said  the  genie,  ‘that  you  both  put  me  at  defiance.’ 
Having  said  this,  he  took  up  the  cimeter,  and  put  an  end  to 
her  life.  Then  turning  to  me,  ‘Was  I sure,’  said  he,  ‘ that  she 
had  put  a greater  affront  on  me  than  in  conversing  with  thee, 
thou  also  shouldst  die  ; but  I will  be  content  with  transforming 
thee  into  a dog,  ape,  or  lion,  or  bird ; take  thy  choice.’  ‘ O 
genie,’  said  I,  ‘ it  is  more  noble  to  pardon  than  to  punish  ; if 
you  will  generously  dismiss  me,  I shall  ever  gratefully  remember 
your  clemency,  and  you  will  act  like  the  illustrious  sultan 
Hassan  Ali,  whose  forbearance  was  the  cause  of  all  his  good 
fortune.'*  ‘ I will  have  patience  till  you  tell  me  that  story,’  re- 
plied the  genie,  ‘ but  think  not  to  escape  unpunished.’  ” 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  ENVIOUS  MAN,  AND  OF  HIM  THAT 
HE  ENVIED. 

Hassan  Ali  was  respected  by  all  his  neighbors,  except  by 
one  man  ; who,  envying  his  great  reputation,  conceived  a violent 
hatred  to  him.  Hassan  endeavored  in  vain,  by  repeated  good 
offices,  to  overcome  this  dislike ; but  finding  his  neighbor’s  ill- 
will  unconquerable,  he  determined  to  remove  to  another  town, 
rather  than  live  at  enmity. 

He  removed  accordingly,  put  on  the  habit  of  a dervis,  and 
passed  his  time  in  retirement.  The  sanctity  of  his  manners,  and 
the  benevolence  of  his  heart,  acquired  him  general  esteem.  He 
was  raised  to  the  head  of  a convent  of  dervises,  and  his  reputa- 
tion spread  abroad,  till  it  reached  the  town  he  had  left,  and  re- 
newed the  ill-will  of  his  unworthy  neighbor.  This  man,  becom- 
ing more  inveterate  than  ever  against  Hassan,  determined  to 
visit  him  at  his  convent,  with  intent  to  destroy  him.  Hassan 
received  him  kindly,  and  readily  went  with  him  into  the  garden 
of  the  convent,  to  hear  the  business  he  pretended  to  have  with 
him. 

It  was  night,  and  the  envious  man  was  well  acquainted  with 
the  garden.  He  prolonged  the  conversation  till  they  came  to 
the  edge  of  a deep  well,  when  suddenly  turning,  he  pushed 
Hassan  into  it.  He  then  left  the  convent  hastily  and  returned 
home,  rejoicing  that  he  had  gratified  his  malice  and  destroyed 
the  good  dervis. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


39 

It  chanced  that  the  well  was  inhabitated  by  fairies  and  genii, 
who  received  Hassan  and  preserved  him. 

While  he  was  reflecting  on  these  events,  he  heard  a voice 
relating  his  story,  and  after  highly  praising  him,  go  on  to  de- 
clare, that  the  sultan  intended  to  visit  him  the  next  day  to 
recommend  his  daughter  to  his  prayers. 

Another  voice  asked,  “ What  need  had  the  princess  of  the 
dervis^s  prayers  ? ’’  To  which  the  first  answered,  “ She  is  pos- 
sessed by  a genie,  but  the  cure  is  easy  : there  is  in  the  convent 
a black  cat  with  a white  spot  at  the  end  of  her  tail : let  seven  of 
these  white  hairs  be  burned  in  presence  of  the  princess,  and  the 
genie  will  leave  her,  and  never  dare  to  return.’^  The  dervis 
took  care  to  remember  this  conversation.  In  the  morning  he  got 
out  of  the  well  without  difficulty  : when  he  entered  the  convent, 
his  cat  coming  as  usual  to  play  about  him,  he  pulled  out  seven 
hairs  from  the  white  spot  on  the  tail,  and  put  them  safely  by. 

Shortly  afterward,  the  sultan  arrived  with  his  attendants. 
Hassan  received  him  with  suitable  respect,  and  immediately, 
before  the  sultan  had  explained  the  cause  of  his  coming,  he 
caused  fire  to  be  brought  in ; and  burning  the  hairs,  the  genie 
gave  a great  cry,  and  left  the  princess,  who  instantly  appeared 
to  be  perfectly  recovered.  The  sultan  rejoiced  beyond  measure 
at  this  event : having  the  highest  opinion  of  the  good  dervis,  he 
gave  him  his  daughter  for  a wife,  and  dying  son  after,  Hassan 
succeeded  to  his  throne. 

When  he  made  his  public  entry  into  his  capital,  great  crowds 
flocked  from  all  parts  to  see  their  new  sovereign.  Among  the 
rest,  came  the  envious  man,  who  little  expected  to  find  his  old 
neighbor  alive,  and  become  his  prince.  The  good  Hassan,  see- 
ing him  in  the  throng,  commanded  him  to  be  brought  before 
him.  The  envious  man  came  into  his  presence  trembling,  and 
expecting  the  punishment  he  deserved  ; but  the  sultan  ordered 
him  valuable  presents,  and  dismissed  him  with  this  remark  • “ I 
freely  forgive  thy  past  malice,  and  consider  thee  as  entitled  to 
reward,  having  been  the  cause  of  my  good  fortune  ; but  as  the 
evil  thou  didst  intend  me  has  been  most  serviceable  to  me,  so 
the  good  I now  do  thee  will  become  evil  if  thou  dost  not  shake 
off  thy  malignity.’’ 

“You  see,  genie,  said  I,  how  nobly  Hassan  Ali  behaved  to 
his  enemy.  Let  me  entreat  you  to  follow  his  example.  Instead 
of  attending  to  my  request,  the  genie  threw  some  earth  in  my 
face,  and  vanished.  I found  myself  all  at  once  removed  from 
the  palace  to  the  ridge  of  a mountain,  and  transformed  into  an 
ape. 


40 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  EIVTERTAINMENTS. 


I was  overwhelmed  with  sorrow  at  this  metamorphosis. 
I determined,  without  knowing  why,  to  leave  the  mountain  and 
go  to  the  sea-coast,  which  I saw  at  a great  distance.  When  I 
came  there,  I found  a vessel  at  anchor  near  the  shore  ; I broke 
off  the  arm  of  a tree,  and  getting  on  it,  guided  it  with  two  small 
sticks,  which  served  me  for  oars,  till  I came  close  to  the  vessel, 
when  I seized  a rope,  and  jumped  on  board.  The  passengers 
had  seen  my  dexterity  with  much  pleasure ; but  when  I leaped 
on  board,  their  superstition  took  alarm  ; every  one  pursued  me 
with  handspikes  or  arrows,  and  I should  certainly  have  been 
slain,  if  I had  not  thrown  myself  at  the  feet  of  the  captain,  and, 
by  my  tears  and  expressive  gestures,  obtained  his  protection. 

“A  few  days  after  we  made  the  port  of  a capital  town.  On 
our  arrival,  some  officers  came  on  board,  and  desired  as  many 
as  chose,  to  write  in  a paper  they  produced.  The  reason  of 
this  request  was,  the  vizier  of  the  country  was  lately  dead  ; who, 
besides  possessing  other  great  talents,  was  a very  fine  writer  ; 
and  the  sultan  had  determined  not  to  give  his  place  but  to  one 
who  would  write  as  well.  Everybody,  on  hearing  this  story,  was 
eager  to  write.  When  they  had  done,  I made  signs  that  I could 
write.  The  officers  paid  no  regard  to  me,  but  the  captain  stood 
once  more  my  friend.  At  his  request  a pen  was  given  to  me, 
and  I wrote  six  sorts  of  hands  used  among  the  Arabians  ; each 
specimen  being  a distich  in  compliment  to  the  sultan.  As  soon 
as  that  prince  saw  my  writing,  he  ordered  his  officers  to  con- 
duct the  writer  to  court  in  great  pomp,  and  to  declare  him  vizier. 
The  officers  could  not  restrain  their  laughter  on  receiving  this 
order,  but  immediately  apologized  to  their  sovereign  by  acquaint- 
ing him  that  the  writer  was  not  a man,  but  an  ape.  The  sultan 
was  amazed,  and  expressed  great  desire  to  see  me.  On  my  be- 
ing introduced,  I directly  paid  my  respects  to  him  in  the  usual 
manner,  to  the  surprise  of  the  spectators,  who  wondered  how  an 
ape  should  distinguish  the  prince  and  behave  to  him  so  properly. 

“The  sultan  retiring  to  dine,  made  a sign  for  me  to  attend 
him.  After  dinner  a chess-board  was  brought  in,  and  on  his 
pointing  to  it,  I made  him  understand  that  I could  play  the 
game.  We  sat  down  ; the  sultan  won  the  first  game,  but  I won 
the  second  and  third.  Seeing  him  disconcerted,  I immediately 
wrote  a complimentary  distich  which  restored  his  good-humor. 

“ The  sultan  had  a daughter  who  was  justly  called  the  Lady 
of  Beauty,  of  whom  he  was  exceeding  fond.  Thinking  the  sight 
of  so  wonderful  an  ape  would  entertain  her,  he  sent  for  her ; on 
her  entering  the  room  she  let  fall  her  veil,  though  there  were 
only  the  customary  attendants  present.  Iffie  sultan  inquired 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


41 


the  cause  of  this  novelty : ‘ Sir/  replied  the  princess,  * the  ape 
that  you  have  by  you  is  a young  prince  transformed  by  enchant- 
ment. I have  learned  the  seventy  rules  of  magic,  whence  I 
know,  at  first  sight,  all  persons  who  are  enchanted,  and  how  they 
became  so.’  ‘ Have  you  power  also,’  said  the  sultan,  ‘ to  dispel 
the  charm  V ‘I  have,’  replied  the  princess.  ‘ Do  so  then  im- 
mediately, I entreat  you,’  said  the  sultan ; ‘ I interest  myself 
exceedingly  in  this  prince’s  fortune ; if  you  can  restore  him,  I 
will  make  him  my  vizier,  and  he  shall  marry  you.’ 

“The  Lady  of  Beauty  retired,  and  presently  returning, 
brought  a knife  which  had  some  Hebrew  words  engraved  on  the 
blade.  She  conducted  the  sultan  and  myself,  attended  by  the 
master  of  the  eunuchs  and  a little  slave,  into  a private  court  of 
the  palace  ; and  placing  us  in  the  gallery,  she  drew  a circle 
within  which  she  wrote  several  words  in  Arabian  characters, 
some  of  them  ancient,  others  of  the  character  of  Cleopatra. 

“ When  she  had  finished  the  circle,  she  placed  herself  in  the 
centre  of  it,  where  she  began  adjurations,  and  repeated  verses 
out  of  the  Alcoran.  The  air  insensibly  grew  dark  : all  at  once 
the  genie  appeared  in  the  shape  of  a lion  of  a frightful  size. 

“ ‘ Wretch,’  said  the  princess  to  him,  ‘ darest  thou  present 
thyself  in  that  shape,  thinking  to  frighten  me  ? ’ And  thou,’ 
replied  the  lion,  ‘art  thou  not  afraid  to  break  the  treaty 
which  was  so  solemnly  made  between  us  ? but  thou  shalt 
quickly  have  thy  reward.’  At  these  words  he  opened  his  ter- 
rible jaws  and  ran  at  her  to  devour  her ; but  she  leaped  back- 
ward, pulled  out  one  of  her  hairs,  and,  by  pronouncing  three  01 
four  words,  changed  herself  into  a sharp  sword,  and  cut  the 
lion  in  two. 

“ The  lion  vanished,  and  a scorpion  appeared  in  his  room. 
The  princess  became  a serpent,  and  fought  the  scorpion,  who, 
finding  himself  worsted,  took  the  shape  of  an  eagle,  and  flew 
away.  The  serpent  also  took  the  same  shape  and  pursued  him, 
so  that  we  lost  sight  of  them  both.  Some  time  after  the  ground 
opened,  and  there  came  forth  a cat,  with  her  hair  standing  up- 
right, and  making  a fearful  mewing  ; a black  wolf  followed  her 
close,  and  gave  her  no  time  to  rest.  The  cat,  thus  hard  beset, 
changed  herself  into  a worm,  and  a pomegranate  lying  by  the 
side  of  the  canal,  the  worm  pierced  it  in  an  instant  and  hid  it- 
self j but  the  pomegranate  immediately  swelled  as  big  as  a gourd, 
and  presently  burst  into  several  pieces.  The  wolf  became  a cock 
and  picked  up  the  seeds  of  the  pomegranate ; when  he  could 
find  no  more,  he  came  towards  us,  as  if  he  would  ask  whether 
he  had  left  any.  There  was  one  lying  at  the  brink  of  the  canal, 


42 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


which  we  perceiving,  pointed  out  to  the  cock,  which  ran  speed- 
ily towards  it ; just  as  he  was  going  to  pick  it  up,  the  seed  rolled 
into  the  river,  and  became  a little  fish.  The  cock  jumped  into 
the  river  and  was  turned  into  a pike,  which  pursued  the  small 
fish.  They  continued  both  under  water  about  two  hours,  and 
we  began  to  wonder  what  had  become  of  them,  when,  on  a sud- 
den, we  heard  such  terrible  cries  as  made  us  tremble,  and  pres- 
ently saw  the  princess  and  the  genie  all  in  flames.  They  threw 
flashes  of  fire  at  each  other  so  fiercely,  that  we  apprehended  that 
the  palace  would  be  consumed  ; but  we  soon  had  more  reason 
to  be  alarmed,  for  the  genie,  having  got  loose  from  the  princess, 
came  to  the  gallery  and  blew  flames  on  us.  The  princess  flew 
to  our  relief  and  beat  away  the  genie ; but  in  that  momentary 
attack  the  sultan’s  face  was  dreadfully  scorched,  the  eunuch 
was  stifled,  and  a spark  entering  my  right  eye,  it  became  blind. 
We  expected  nothing  but  death,  when  we  heard  a cry  of  ‘Vic- 
tory ! victory  I ’ — the  princess  appeared  in  her  natural  shape, 
but  the  genie  was  reduced  to  a heap  of  ashes. 

“ The  princess  hastily  caught  up  some  water  in  the  hollow 
of  her  hand,  and  uttering  certain  words,  she  threw  it  over  me, 
and  I became  a man  as  before,  one  eye  only  excepted.  As  I 
was  about  to  return  thanks  to  my  deliverer,  she  prevented  me 
by  addressing  her  father  thus  : ‘ Sir,  I have  got  the  victory  over 
the  genie  ; but  it  is  a victory  that  costs  me  dear,  as  I have  but 
a few  moments  to  live.  This  would  not  have  been  had  I per- 
ceived the  last  of  the  pomegranate  seeds,  and  swallowed  it  as  I 
did  the  others.  That  oversight  obliged  me  to  have  recourse  to 
fire,  and  to  fight  with  those  mighty  arms,  as  I did,  between 
heaven  and  earth,  in  your  presence.  I have  conquered  and  re- 
duced the  genie  to  ashes  ; but  the  fire  pierced  me  also  during 
the  terrible  combat,  and  I find  I cannot  escape  death.’ 

“ We  were  thunderstruck  at  this  declaration,  and  had  scarce 
recovered  the  power  of  expressing  our  sorrow,  when  the  prin- 
cess cried  out,  ‘ Oh,  I burn  ! ’ She  continued  some  time  crying 
out,  till  at  last  the  effect  of  the  fire  was  so  violent,  that  she  also, 
as  the  genie,  was  reduced  to  a heap  of  ashes. 

“ I was  inexpressibly  grieved  for  this  fatal  misfortune.  The 
sultan  fainted  away ; and  when  he  revived,  he  continued  sev- 
eral days  so  ill  that  his  life  was  despaired  of.  When  h was  a 
little  recovered,  he  sent  for  me  : ‘ Prince,’  said  he,  ‘ listen  to  the 
orders  I now  give  you : it  will  cost  you  your  life  if  you  do  not 
obey  them.  I have  constantly  lived  in  felicity  till  you  arrived 
in  my  dominions  ; I need  not  remind  you  of  the  sad  reverse  I 
now  experience,  or  of  the  loss  of  my  daughter.  You  are  the 


ARABIAN  N^^'GHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


43 


cause  of  all.  Depart  from  hence  in  peace,  without  delay ; I 
am  persuaded  your  presence  brings  mischief  along  with  it : de- 
part, and  take  care  of  ever  appearing  again  in  my  dominions  ; 
there  is  no  consideration  that  shall  hinder  my  making  you  re- 
pent of  it  if  you  do.^  I was  going  to  reply,  but  he  prevented 
me,  and  drove  me  from  his  presence  with  "words  full  of  anger. 
Rejected,  banished,  thrown  off  by  all  the  world,  I caused  my 
beard  and  eyebrows  to  be  shaved,  and  ^et  off  for  Bagdad ; 
lamenting  more  for  the  two  unfortunate  princesses  than  for 
my  own  wretchedness.  I arrived  here  this  evening,  and  hope 
to  get  admission  to  the  commander  of  thr  Faithful,  and,  by 
reciting  my  strange  adventures,  to  obtain  his  princely  com- 
passion.’’ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  THIRD  CAL»;RDAR. 

‘‘  My  name  Agib.  I am  the  son  of  a king,  ^^t  whose  death  I 
took  possession  of  an  extensive  and  flourishing  k ngdom.  When 
1 was  settled  on  the  throne,  I resolved  to  v sit  the  distant 
provinces  of  my  empire,  particularly  several  va  luable  islands. 
We  had  an  exceeding  pleasant  voyage  there,  bu  ’ on  our  return 
a furious  storm  arose,  and  drove  us  so  far  out  ^f  our  course 
that  the  pilot  knew  not  in  what  direction  to  stc-^r.  While  we 
were  in  this  uncertainty,  a sailor  from  the  mast^he^d  gave  notice 
that  he  saw  something  which  had  the  appearance  of  land,  but 
looked  uncommonly  black. 

‘‘  The  pilot  on  this  report  expressed  the  utmoJt  consterna- 
tion. ‘ We  are  lost,’  saicl  he  ; ‘ the  tempest  has  dr.  ven  us  withr 
in  the  influence  of  the  black  mountain,  which  is  a i ock  of  ada- 
mant, and  at  this  time  its  attraction  draws  us  tow  vrds  it  ; to- 
morrow we  shall  approach  so  near  that  the  iron  an  1 nails  will 
be  drawn  out  of  the  ship,  which  of  course  must  fall  to  pieces, 
and  as  the  mountain  is  entirely  inaccessible,  w(  must  all 
perish.’ 

‘‘  This  account  was  too  true.  The  next  day,  a we  drew 
near  the  mountain,  the  iron  all  flew  out  of  the  ship  j it  fell  to 
pieces,  and  the  whole  crew  perished  in  my  sight,  i bad  the 
good  fortune  to  secure  a plank,  which  bore  me  up,  and  he  tide 
gently  drove  me  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain  ; when  I app cached 
it,  I found  it  was  entirely  perpendicular  for  a great  height ; I 
continued  therefore  upon  my  plank  coasting  it,  and  was  al/^ost 
reduced  to  despair,  when  I discovered  a flight  of  steps  that  v.  ent 
up  to  the  top.  These  I gained  with  great  difficulty  ; there  was 
no  ground  on  either  side  ; and  when  I landed  I found  the  step§ 


44 


ARABIAN  NIGITTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


so  narrow,  rugged,  and  difficult,  that  the  least  wind  must  have 
blown  me  into  the  sea.  I got  up,  notwithstanding,  to  the  top 
without  accident,  and  gave  God  thanks  for  my  deliverance. 

On  the  summit  of  the  mountain  I found  a dome  of  fine 
brass,  upon  the  top  of  which  stood  the  figure  of  a man  on  horse- 
back, of  the  same  metal.  Being  much  fatigued,  I laid  down 
under  the  dome,  and  soon  fell  asleep ; when  I dreamt  that  the 
old  man  came  to  me,  and  said  : ‘ Hearken,  Agib  ! — as  soon  as 
thou  art  awake,  dig  up  the  ground  under  thy  feet,  and  thou 
shalt  find  a bow  of  brass  and  three  arrows  of  lead : shoot  the 
arrows  at  the  statue,  and  the  rider  will  fall  into  the  sea,  but  the 
horse  will  fall  down  by  thee,  which  thou  must  bury  in  the  same 
place  whence  thou  takest  the  bow  and  arrows.  This  being 
done,  the  mountain  will  gradually  sink  down  into  the  sea  ; and 
thou  wilt  have  the  glory  of  delivering  mankind  from  the  many 
calamities  it  occasions.  When  it  has  sunk  to  the  surface  of 
the  water,  thou  shalt  see  a boat,  with  one  man  in  it ; this  man  is 
also  of  metal.  Step  on  board  the  boat,  and  let  him  conduct 
thee  ; in  ten  days’  time  he  will  bring  thee  to  land,  whence  thou 
wilt  find  easy  passage  to  thy  own  country.  But  bt  particularly 
careful  not  to  mention  the  name  of  God  while  thou  continuest 
in  this  boat.’ 

‘•When  I awoke  I was  much  comforted  by  the  vision,  which 
I prepared  to  obey.  I dug  up  the  arrows,  and  shot  them  at  the 
statue ; every  event  foretold  in  my  dream  followed  precisely ; 
and  when  I got  into  the  boat  of  metal,  I found  a quantity  of  all 
kinds  of  refreshments,  which  were  very  acceptable.  For  nine 
days  the  man  of  metal  continued  to  row  day  and  night  without 
ceasing.  I was  so  mindful  of  the  caution  I had  received,  that 
I did  not  speak  at  all  ; but  arriving  near  some  islands,  my  joy 
made  me  forget  myself,  and  I exclaimed,  ‘ God’s  name  be  blest ! ’ 
Immediately  the  man  and  boat  sunk,  and  I was  left  in  the 
water. 

“ I got  safe  on  shore,  and  presently  saw  a vessel  drawing 
nigh  the  island ; not  knowing  what  sort  of  people  might  be  in 
it,  I climbed  a thick  tree  whence  I could  see  them  undiscovered. 
Presently  a number  of  slaves  landed  and  began  to  dig  near  the 
tree  where  I had  taken  refuge.  Soon  after  a venerable  old 
gentleman  came  on  shore,  leading  a handsome  youth,  attended 
by  several  slaves  who  carried  provisions.  They  came  together 
to  the  place  where  the  slaves  had  opened  the  ground  ; after  a 
short  stay,  they  all  returned  to  the  vessel,  except  the  young 
man,  and  sailed  away. 

“ When  I perceived  they  were  at  such  a distance  that  they 


ARABIAiV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


45 


could  not  see  me,  I descended  from  the  tree,  and  easil}; 
removing  the  loose  earth,  came  to  a flight  of  steps  ] these  I 
descended,  and  found  a room  handsomely  furnished,  and  the 
young  man  sitting  upon  a couch.  He  started  at  the  sight  of 
me,  yet  rose  to  receive  me  with  a good  grace.  I presently 
removed  his  fears  by  offering  to  deliver  him  from  his  con- 
finement, on  which  he  requested  me  with  a smile  to  sit  down 
by  him,  while  he  related  the  cause  of  his  being  left  in  that 
place. 

“ ‘ My  father,  sir,’  said  he,  ‘ had  grown  old  in  successful 
traffic,  and  had  gained  immense  wealth,  before  it  had  pleased 
Providence  to  grant  him  a child  to  inherit  it.  He  had  begun 
to  despair  of  the  blessing,  when  I was  born.  The  joy  he  felt 
at  my  birth  was  presently  clouded  over ; for,  in  his  anxiety  for 
my  welfare,  he  consulted  astrologers  as  to  what  my  future  lot 
would  be.  They  told  him  I should  reach  fifteen  in  perfect 
health,  and  if  I survived  that  birthday,  I should  attain  a good 
old  age,  in  prosperity ; but  that  about  that  time.  Prince  Agib 
would  throw  down  the  statue  of  brass  from  the  mountain  of 
adamant,  and  within  fifty  days  after  would  put  an  end  to  my 
life. 

‘‘  ‘ My  father  was  exceedingly  afflicted  at  this  prediction, 
and  prepared  this  habitation  to  conceal  me  in  at  the  destined 
period.  As  the  time  slid  on,  his  uneasiness  in  some  degree 
subsided;  but  he  learned  yesterday,  that  ten  days  ago  the 
statue  was  overturned  by  the  prince  they  had  mentioned  ; and 
I want  just  forty  days  to  complete  my  fifteenth  year.  These 
circumstances  have  awakened  all  his  terrors  ; he  hastened  to 
place  me  in  this  asylum,  to  which  I came  very  cheerfully ; for 
surely  Prince  Agib  will  never  seek  me  in  a place  underground, 
in  the  midst  of  a desert  island.’ 

While  the  young  man  was  relating  this  story,  I was  sur- 
prised to  find  myself  so  much  interested  in  it.  I despised  those 
astrologers  who  had  foretold  that  I should  take  away  the  life 
of  a youth  for  whom  I already  began  to  feel  affection.  I en- 
couraged him  in  the  hopes  that  he  was  out  of  all  danger ; I 
offered  to  continue  with  him  as  a companion  during  his  confine- 
ment, but  took  care  not  to  let  him  know  that  I was  the  Agib 
whom  he  dreaded.  He  received  my  offer  with  joy ; and  w’e 
passed  thirty-nine  days  very  pleasantly. 

“ The  fortieth  day  came,  and  in  the  morning  the  young  man 
rejoiced  that  the  threatened  danger  was  over ; he  prepared 
himself  by  bathing  to  receive  his  father,  and  being  fatigued,  he 
laid  down  on  a couch  to  repose.  After  a while  he  requested 


46  ARABIAIsr  mCHTS^  E2^7']^RTAmMEN^TS. 

me  to  give  him  some  melon.  ± looked  out  the  best  wnich 
remained,  but  was  at  a loss  for  a knife  to  cut  it.  ‘ There  is 
one,’  said  he,  ‘ on  the  cornice  over  my  head.’  I saw  it,  and 
made  so  much  haste  to  reach  it,  that,  when  I had  taken  it  in 
my  hand,  my  foot  being  entangled  in  the  covering  of  the  couch, 
I fell  most  unhappily  on  tne  young  man,  and  ran  the  knife  into 
his  heart. 

‘‘  It  is  impossible  to  express  the  anguish  I felt  at  this  fatal 
accident.  I cried  out,  beat  my  breast,  and  threw  myself  on  the 
ground.  When  these  transports  had  a little  subsided,  it  for- 
tunately occurred  to  me  that  my  situation  was  very  dangerous ; 
that  the  old  man  and  his  slaves  would  probably  arrive  soon, 
and  finding  me  in  the  cavern  and  his  son  slain,  I had  every- 
thing to  dread  from  his  resentment.  These  considerations 
were  very  seasonable,  for  on  my  hastening  out  of  the  apartment, 
I perceived  that  the  vessel  had  arrived,  and  the  old  man  with 
his  slaves  were  landing.  I had  just  time  to  climb  the  tree 
which  before  concealed  me,  when  they  came  to  the  subterra- 
neous dwelling. 

‘‘  I could  observe  that  they  came  forward  with  confidence, 
which  abated  greatly  when  they  found  the  ground  open.  Some 
of  the  slaves  hastily  descended,  and  soon  returned,  bearing  the 
deceased  youth,  with  the  knife  sticking  in  his  body,  for  I had 
not  had  power  to  take  it  out.  At  this  piteous  sight  the  old  man 
fell  down  in  a swoon  ; the  slaves  lamented  ; and,  though  unseen 
by  them,  I joined  in  their  grief  very  heartily.  After  a time, 
when  they  had  with  difficulty  recovered  the  old  man,  they,  by 
his  direction,  made  a grave  and  buried  the  poor  youth ; the  un- 
happy father,  overwhelmed  with  sorrow,  threw  the  first  earth 
on  him  ; the  slaves  speedily  filled  up  the  grave,  and  then  carrying 
their  afflicted  patron  on  board  the  vessel,  they  departed. 

“ I had  hoped  to  be  conveyed  to  the  continent  by  means  of 
this  ship  ; but  being  thus  fatally  disappointed,  I was  obliged  to 
continue  and  ramble  about  the  island  for  a month  longer,  living 
on  the  wild  fruits  it  produced  \ at  length  I discovered  a part 
where  the  channel  was  not  very  wide ; I contrived  to  pass  over 
here,  without  much  difficulty.  When  I landed,  I set  off  with 
spirit,  and  presently  thought  I savr  at  a distance  a great  fire ; I 
rejoiced  much  at  the  sign  of  inhabitants,  but  when  I drew  near, 
I found  what  I had  supposed  a fire,  was  the  reflections  of  the 
sunbeams  on  a castle  of  copper. 

“ It  was  evening  before  I reached  this  building,  where  I was 
very  hospitably  received  by  ten  handsome  young  men  who  were 
all  blind  of  the  right  eye.  They  introduced  me  into  castle. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


47 


i Hotted  me  an  apartment,  and  invited  me  to  sup  with  them ; 
i fter  which,  at  their  request,  I related  what  had  befallen  me. 
Nq  continued  very  merry,  till  it  grew  late,  when  one  of  the 
<;ompany  reminded  the  rest  that  it  was  time  for  them  to  perform 
'cheir  duty.  Immediately,  upon  a signal  given,  ten  basins  were 
brought  in,  and  one  set  before  each  of  the  gentlemen.  They 
uncovered  the  basins,  which  contained  ashes,  coal-dust,  and 
lamp-black  ; with  these  they  bedaubed  their  faces,  beating  their 
breasts,  weeping  and  exclaiming,  ‘ This  is  the  fruit  of  our  idle- 
ness and  debauchery.’  This  exercise  continued  a long  time, 
after  which,  water  being  brought  in,  they  washed,  and  each 
withdrew  in  silence  to  his  own  apartment. 

‘‘  I was  conducted  also  to  my  bedchamber ; but  though 
fatigued,  I was  too  much  astonished  to  sleep.  In  the  morning 
I very  earnestly  requested  the  gentlemen  to  tell  me  the  meaning 
of  what  I had  seen,  and  also  how  it  chanced  they  were  all  blind 
of  the  right  eye.  They  positively  refused  to  give  me  this 
satisfaction,  declaring  that  I sought  to  divulge  a curiosity  that  I 
should  repent  of  as  long  as  I lived..  Thus  silenced,  I passed 
the  day  with  them  at  their  own  request,  and  the  evening  was 
closed  with  a repetition  of  their  disgusting  penance. 

The  day  following  I renewed  my  inquiries  in  so  earnest  a 
manner,  that  one  of  them,  in  behalf  of  the  rest,  said,  ‘ It  is  out 
of  friendship  to  you,  prince,  that  we  have  withheld  from  you 
the  information  you  wish ; but  if  you  continue  to  demand  it,  we 
are  not  at  liberty  to  refuse  you.  Know,  however,  that  you  will 
lose  your  right  eye  by  gratifying  your  dangerous  curiosity  ; and 
that  when  that  misfortune  hath  befallen  you,  you  cannot  remain 
with  us,  as  our  number  is  complete,  and  no  addition  can  be 
made  to  it.’ 

As  I still  persisted,  the  gentlemen  killed  a sheep  and  skinned 
it.  They  presented  me  with  a knife,  and  sewed  me  up  in  the 
skin,  telling  me,  ‘ We  must  now  leave  you  ; but  presently  a roc 
will  come,  and  taking  you  for  a sheep,  will  fly  away  with  you. 
Be  not  alarmed  ; but  when  he  alights,  cut  open  the  skin  and 
throw  it  off,  when  he  will  fly  away.  You  will  then  see  a large 
palace,  which  you  will  enter.  We  have  all  been  there,  but  may 
not  tell  you  what  befell  us,  or  explain  ourselves  any  further.’ 

“ The  gentlemen  then  left  me,  and  presently  the  roc  came 
and  carried  me  away.  The  roc  is  a white  bird  of  enormous 
size,  and  of  such  strength  that  it  takes  elephants  from  the  plains 
to  the  tops  of  the  mountains,  where  he  feeds  on  them.  On  his 
alighting,  I threw  off  the  skin  as  I was  directed,  and  the  roc 
flew  away. 


48 


ARABIAN  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


I walked  forward  to  the  palace,  which  was  more  splendid 
than  imagination  can  conceive  ; and  when  I entered  it,  I was 
received  by  forty  ladies  of  exquisite  beauty,  most  sumptuously 
apparelled.  They  conducted  me  into  a spacious  hall,  the  doors 
of  which  were  of  burnished  gold  set  with  diamonds  and  rubies, 
and  everything  within  it  of  equal  magnificence.  Here,  notwith- 
standing my  opposition,  they  placed  me  on  a seat  exalted 
above  theirs,  saying, .‘You  are  at  present  our  lord,  and  we  are 
your  slaves  ready  to  obey  your  commands.' 

“ Nothing  could  exceed  the  desire  of  these  beautiful  ladies 
to  do  me  service.  They  brought  in  a handsome  collation  and 
delicious  wines ; after  which  they  entertained  me  with  a con- 
cert and  dancing.  The  day  following  was  spent  in  the  same 
manner;  music,  dancing,  feasting,  and  wantonness  marked  the 
moments  as  they  flew  ; and  the  whole  year  passed  away  while 
I thus  indulged  in  every  species  of  voluptuousness. 

“ At  the  end  of  the  year  I was  surprised  to  see  the  ladies 
enter  my  apartments,  all  in  great  affliction.  They  embraced 
me  with  much  tenderness,  and  bade  me  adieu.  I conjured  them 
to  explain  to  me  the  cause  of  their  grief,  and  of  their  being 
about  to  leave  me,  when  one  of  them  told  me  that  they  were 
obliged  to  be  absent  forty  days,  upon  indispensable  duties 
which  they  were  not  permitted  to  reveal,  and  that  their  sorrow 
arose  from  the  apprehension  that  they  should  see  me  again  no 
more.  ‘This,*  continued  she,  ‘will  wholly  depend  upon  your- 
self ; here  are  the  keys  of  a hundred  doors  which  you  will  find 
in  the  adjoining  courts.  These  we  are  obliged  to  leave  with 
you.  You  will  find  abundance  of  curious  things  within  ninety- 
nine  of  these  doors  to  gratify  and  amuse  you,  which  you  may 
enjoy  in  safety ; but  if  you  open  the  golden  door,  we  shall 
never  see  you  again.  And  it  is  this  fear  lest  you  should  be 
overcome  by  an  indiscreet  curiosity,  that  gives  us  so  much  dis- 
turbance.* 

“ I embraced  the  ladies  all  around,  and  gave  them  my  best 
thanks  for  a sorrow  so  very  flattering  to  me.  I assured  them, 
in  the  most  earnest  manner,  that  nothing  should  induce  me  to 
forfeit  their  society,  by  breaking  their  injunction.  I received 
the  hundred  keys,  and  having  exchanged  many  farewells,  they 
departed,  and  I was  left  alone. 

“ My  time  had  been  passed  in  such  a perpetual  round  of 
pleasure,  that  I had  not  before  had  the  least  desire  to  examine 
this  inimitable  palace.  As  I was  now  at  leisure,  and  had  per- 
mission to  open  ninety-nine  of  the  doors,  I began  with  much 
eagerness  to  gratify  my  curiosity.  It  would  be  tedious,  if  it 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


49 


were  possible,  to  describe  what  I found  within  these  doors  : — 
all  that  is  beautiful  in  nature  or  elegant  in  art  was  there,  in  the 
highest  perfection  and  abundance.  The  wealth,  as  well  in 
jewels  as  in  gold,  was  incredible.  This  immense  display  of 
everything  valuable  and  curious  was  so  extensive,  that  nine- 
and-thirty  days  were  passed  by  the  time  I had  explored  the 
ninety-nine  apartments  I was  allowed  to  visit. 

‘‘  The  sight  of  such  profusion  of  wealth,  which  I considered 
as  my  own,  elated  me  beyond  measure  ; and  the  near  return  of 
my  admirable  princesses  dissolved  me  in  tenderness.  One  day 
only  remained,  and  one  door,  the  fatal  door,  alone  was  un- 
opened. My  weak  curiosity  was  ungovernable.  I yielded  to 
the  temptation.  I opened  that  door.  A smell  that  was  pleasant 
enough,  though  too  powerful  for  me,  overcame  me,  and  I fainted 
away.  When  I recovered,  instead  of  taking  warning  and  with- 
drawing, I went  in.  The  scent  remained,  but  no  longer  affected 
me.  Among  many  objects  that  engaged  my  attention,  I saw  a 
fine  horse,  superbly  caparisoned  ; I took  him  by  the  bridle  and 
led  him  forth  into  the  court ; I got  upon  his  back  and  would 
have  rode  him,  but  he  not  stirring,  I whipped  him.  He  no 
sooner  felt  the  stroke  than  he  began  to  neigh  in  an  unusual 
and  horrible  manner ; and  extending  wings  which  I had  not 
observed,  he  flew  up  with  me  into  the  air.  I had  presence  of 
mind  to  sit  fast.  After  a while  he  flew  down  again  towards  the 
earth,  and  lighting  upon  the  terrace  of  a castle,  without  giving 
me  time  to  dismount,  he  shook  me  out  of  the  saddle,  and  hav- 
ing with  the  end  of  his  tail  struck  out  my  right  eye,  he  flew 
again  out  of  my  sight. 

“ I got  up  much  troubled  with  the  misfortune  I had  brought 
upon  myself ; I found  the  castle  was  the  same  from  which  the 
roc  had  carried  me,  and  presently  met  the  ten  gentlemen,  who 
were  not  at  all  surprised  to  see  me,  as  every  one  of  them  had 
passed  through  the  same  adventure.  After  condoling  with  me, 
and  lamenting  that  it  was  not  permitted  them  to  add  me  to 
their  number,,  they  directed  me  to  seek  the  court  of  Bagdad, 
where  I would  meet  him  that  would  decide  my  destiny.  Ac- 
cordingly I put  on  this  dress,  and  arrived  here  this  evening.^’ 

The  third  calendar  having  finished  his  history,  a dead  si- 
lence pervaded  the  company.  At  length  Zobeide,  addressing 
the  calendars,  said,  “ Your  adventures,  princes,  are  indeed  as 
singular  as  they  are  distressing  ; and  I am  very  sorry  it  is  im- 
possible, after  what  has  happened,  that  we  should  permit  you 
to  remain  any  longer  within  our  walls  ; but  we  have  also  rea- 
sons  for  our  conduct.  Depart  in  peace ; and  in  proof  of  our 


so 


ARABIA 2\r  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


respect,  take  with  you,  in  safety,  these  men,  your  companions 
in  indiscretion  ; who  but  for  your  sakes,  should  have  learnt 
that  w^e  are  not  to  be  insulted  with  impunity/’ 

At  these  words  the  three  ladies  withdrew,  without  per- 
mitting any  answer;  and  the  slaves  conducting  the  caliph  and 
his  companions,  the  calendars,  and  the  porter,  to  the  gate, 
civilly  dismissed  them.  Haroun  felt  esteem  and  pity  for  the 
unfortunate  princes.  Without  discovering  himself,  he  offered 
his  services  to  accommodate  them  for  the  rest  of  the  night, 
which  being  thankfully  accepted,  he  committed  them  to  the 
care  of  Mesrour,  and  returned  with  Giafar  to  his  palace. 

In  the  morning  the  calendars  were  introduced  to  the  caliph, 
and  Giafar  was  dispatched  to  acquaint  the  ladies  that  the  com- 
mander of  the  Faithful  desired  to  see  them  immediately.  They 
accordingly  attended  him,  and  found  the  caliph  seated  on  his 
throne,  and  the  three  calendars  placed  on  his  right  hand.  The 
ladies  having  paid  their  homage  to  the  caliph,  that  prince  ad- 
dressed them  with  great  benignity,  and  told  them  he  had  been 
one  of  their  guests  the  preceding  night.  The  ladies  were 
covered  with  confusion ; but  the  caliph  praised  their  modera- 
tion, after  the  incivility  they  had  received.  I was  then,” 
said  he,  ‘‘  a merchant  of  Maussol,  and  deserved  your  resent- 
ment ; but  I trust  you  will  not  refuse  to  the  caliph  the  satisfac- 
tion you  at  that  time  so  properly  withheld.  Be  pleased,  there- 
fore, to  relate  the  reason  of  your  whipping,  and  afterwards 
weeping  over  the  two  bitches ; and  why  one  of  you  has  her 
breasts  so  disfigured.” 

Zobeide  obeyed  the  caliph  thus  : — 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ZOBEIDE. 

Commander  of  the  Faithful,  my  father  was  a merchant  of 
this  city,  who,  dying  some  years  ago,  left  his  fortune  to  be 
divided  among  his  five  daughters,  of  whom  myself  and  the  two 
bitches  are  by  one  mother,  and  these  ladies  by  another. 

Amine  and  Safie,  being  yet  children,  continued  with  their 
mother.  My  two  elder  sisters  and  I lived  together  in  great 
harmony.  After  some  time  they  both  married ; being  left 
alone,  I employed  myself  for  amusement  in  rearing  silk-worms, 
and  became  so  successful  in  my  management  of  them,  that  I 
found  them  not  only  entertaining,  but  exceedingly  profitable. 

In  less  than  a year’s  time,  each  of  my  sisters  returned  to 
me  in  great  distress  ; their  husbands  having  squandered  away 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


SI 

all  their  substance,  had  left  them  to  shift  for  themselves.  I 
received  them  with  kindness,  and  cheerfully  shared  with  them 
the  money  I had  gained  by  my  silk.  As  I had  experienced  the 
advantage  of  traffic,  I projected  a voyage ; I bought  a ship  at 
Balsora,  and  freighted  it ; my  sisters  chose  to  go  with  me,  and 
we  set  sail  with  a fair  wind. 

Some  weeks  after,  we  cast  anchor  in  a harbor  that  presented 
itself,  with  intent  to  water  the  ship.  As  I was  tired  with  hav- 
ing been  so  long  on  board,  I landed  with  the  first  boat,  and 
walked  up  into  the  country.  I soon  came  in  sight  of  a great 
town.  When  I arrived  there,  I was  much  surprised  to  see 
vast  numbers  of  people  in  different  postures,  but  all  immov- 
able. The  merchants  were  in  their  shops,  the  soldiery  on 
guard  ; every  one  seemed  engaged  in  his  proper  avocation, 
yet  all  were  become  as  stone.  At  the  royal  palace  I found 
many  people  richly  dressed,  in  various  apartments  ; it  was  easy 
to  distinguish  the  king  and  queen  by  the  splendor  of  their 
jewels  and  their  crowns  of  go^d.  But  the  same  fate  had  over- 
taken them  which  had  befallen  the  common  people  ; the  king, 
the  queen,  and  their  train  of  courtiers  being  all  petrified. 

Night  drawing  on,  I lay  down  on  a couch.  Early  in  the 
morning  I heard  the  voice  of  a man  reading  the  Alcoran,  in  the 
same  tone  it  is  read  in  our  mosques.  I arose  immediately,  and 
following  the  voice,  I found  it  came  from  an  oratory,  which  had,, 
as  usual,  a niche,  that  showed  where  we  must  turn  to  say  our 
prayers.  A comely  young  man  was  sitting  on  a carpet  reading 
the  Alcoran  with  great  devotion.  Being  curious  to  know  why 
he  was  the  only  living  creature  in  the  town,  I entered  the  ora- 
tory, and  standing  upright  before  the  niche,  praised  God  aloud 
for  having  favored  us  with  so  happy  a voyage. 

The  young  man  closed  his  Alcoran,  and  coming  to  me, 
desired  to  know  whence  I came.  I acquainted  him  ; on  which 
he  proceeded  to  tell  me  that  the  city  was  the  metropolis  of  a 
kingdom  governed  by  his  father  : that  the  king  and  all  his  sub- 
jects were  magi,  worshippers  of  fire  and  of  Nardoun,  the  an- 
cient king  of  the  giants,  who  rebelled  against  God  : Though 
I was  born,’’  continued  he,  “ of  idolatrous  parents,  it  was  my 
good  fortune  to  have  a woman-governess  who  was  a strict  ob- 
server of  the  Mohammedan  religion.  She  taught  me  Arabic 
from  the  Alcoran  ; by  her  I was  instructed  in  the  true  religion, 
which  I would  never  afterwards  renounce. 

“ About  three  years  ago,  a thundering  voice  was  heard  dis- 
tinctly through  the  whole  city,  saying,  ‘ Inhabitants,  abandon 
the  worship  of  Nardoun  and  of  fire,  and  worship  the  only  God 


U*  OF  ttJU  4^ 


S2 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


who  showeth  mercy ! ^ This  voice  was  heard  three  years  suc- 
cessively, but  no  one  regarded  it.  At  the  end  of  the  last  year, 
all  the  inhabitants  were  in  an  instant  changed  into  stone, 
every  one  in  the  posture  he  happened  to  be  then  in.  I alone 
was  preserved ; and  1 flatter  myself,  madam,  that  you  are  sent 
here  to  deliver  me  from  a solitary  life  which,  I must  own,  is 
very  irksome  to  me.’^ 

I readily  agreed  to  take  him  to  Bagdad.  I even  ventured 
to  promise  him  an  introduction  to  your  majesty,  the  great  vice- 
gerent of  the  prophet,  whose  disciple  he  was.  I conducted  him 
to  the  vessel,  which  we  loaded  deeply  with  gold,  jewels,  and 
money ; and  having  recruited  our  water,  we  set  sail  homeward. 

The  young  prince  proved  the  most  amiable  and  agreeable 
of  men.  He  solicited  me  very  earnestly  to  become  his  wife, 
which  I promised  on  our  arrival  here.  But  my  sisters  had 
each  become  enamored  with  him : this  declaration  of  his  re- 
duced them  to  despair.  Envy  and  jealousy  took  possession  of 
their  breasts,  and  in  the  night  they  threw  us  both  overboard. 

The  prince  was  drowned  ; I had  the  good  fortune  to  escape, 
and  by  morning  was  driven  on  shore  on  an  uninhabited  island. 
I dried  my  clothes,  and  went  in  search  of  some  fruits  to  sup- 
port me,  when  I saw  a winged  serpent,  which  was  seized  by  a 
larger  serpent,  who  endeavored  to  devour  it.  Moved  by  com- 
passion, I had  the  courage  to  take  up  a stone  and  fling  it  at 
the  great  serpent,  which  I hit  on  the  head  and  killed ; the 
other,  finding  itself  at  liberty,  took  wing  and  flew  away. 

In  a short  time  after,  a black  woman,  of  good  figure,  came 
towards  me,  leading  two  bitches.  I am,’^  said  she,  ‘‘  the  ser- 
pent whom  you  so  lately  delivered  from  my  mortal  enemy ; 
in  return  for  that  service,  with  the  assistance  of  other  fairies, 
my  companions,  I have  already  conveyed  the  valuable  lading 
of  your  vessel  to  your  storehouses  in  Bagdad  ; and  to  punish 
the  cruelty  and  ingratitude  of  your  sisters,  I have  transformed 
them  into  these  two  bitches.’'  Having  said  this,  she  took  them 
under  one  arm  and  me  under  the  other,  and  in  an  instant  set 
us  down  in  my  house.  Before  she  left  me,  she  said,  “If  you 
would  not  share  the  fate  of  your  wicked  sisters,  I command 
you  in  the  name  of  him  who  governs  the  sea,  that  you  every 
night  give  each  of  them  a hundred  lashes  with  a rod.”  I am 
obliged  to  obey  this  severe  order,  but  my  resentment  having 
long  since  subsided,  your  majesty  saw  with  what  reluctance  I 
comply  with  it. 

Zobeide  having  finished  her  story.  Amine  arose  to  satisfy 
the  inquiries  of  the  caliph. 


ARABIAA^  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


S3 


HISTORY  OF  AMINE. 

Commander  of  the  Faithful,  said  Amine,  my  life,  till  lately, 
contained  no  extraordinary  event  I married  early ; and  on 
the  death  of  my  husband,  which  happened  very  soon  after,  1 
found  myself  very  wealthy,  and  determined  to  continue  inde- 
pendent 

But  one  day,  as  I was  engaged  in  my  affairs,  a venerable 
lady,  whom  I had  noticed  at  the  public  baths,  came  to  my 
house  to  request  a favor  of  me.  “ My  daughter,’’  said  she, 
is  to  be  married  to-day.  The  family  of  the  bridegroom  is 
numerous  and  respectable ; but,  alas  ! we  are  strangers  in 
Bagdad.  Vouchsafe,  then,  dear  lady,  to  be  present  at  the  wed- 
ding. The  ladies  of  your  city  will  not  despise  us  when  they 
see  one  of  your  quality  do  us  so  much  honor.” 

I readily  consented,  and  she  conducted  me  to  a handsome 
house,  where  I was  received  by  a young  lady,  wliom  I supposed 
to  be  the  bride.  After  a few  compliments,  she  said,  ‘‘  You  are 
invited  here  madam,  to  assist  at  a wedding ; but  I hope  you 
will  be  more  nearly  concerned  in  one.  My  brother,  who  is 
rich,  honorable,  and  handsome,  has  fallen  in  love  with  the  fame 
of  your  beauty,  and  will  be  miserable  if  you  do  not  take  pity 
on  him  ! ” After  saying  this,  she  clapped  her  hands,  and  a 
young  man  entered,  whose  graceful  carriage  and  good  figure 
strongly  recommended  him.  Not  to  be  tedious  to  your  majesty, 
I suffered  myself  to  be  overcome  by  their  entreaties,  and  be- 
came myself  a bride,  where  I thought  of  being  only  a guest. 

My  new  husband  exacted  a promise  from  me  that  I would 
not  speak  to  or  be  seen  by  any  man  but  himself.  Soon  after 
our  marriage  I had  occasion  for  some  stuffs;  and  having  asked 
my  husband’s  leave,  I took  the  old  lady  I spoke  of  (who  had 
been  his  nurse)  and  two  slaves  to  the  shops  to  buy  some.  The 
old  lady  recommended  me  to  a merchant,  at  whose  shop  we 
chose  what  we  wanted.  I had  kept  my  veil  close,  and  now 
desired  the  old  woman  to  ask  the  price  of  them.  The  merchant 
told  her  he  would  not  sell  them  for  money,  but  if  I would  permit 
him  to  kiss  my  cheek,  he  would  present  me  with  them.  I di- 
rected the  nurse  to  reprehend  him  for  his  audacity ; but  instead 
of  obeying  me,  she  remonstrated  in  his  favor.  As  I was  much 
pleased  with  the  stuffs,  which  the  merchant  would  not  let  me 
have  on  any  other  terms,  1 foolishly  consented. 

The  old  woman  and  the  slaves  stood  up,  that  no  one  should 
see  it ; I put  by  my  veil ; but  instead  of  a kiss,  the  merchant 
bit  me  till  the  blood  came. 


54 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


The  pain  and  the  surprise  were  so  great  that  I swooned  away. 
The  merchant  took  that  opportunity  to  abscond  ; and  when  I 
recovered,  my  servants  with  difficulty  got  me  home.  In  the 
evening  my  husband  came  to  me,  and  seeing  the  wound  in  my 
cheek,  asked  me  the  cause  of  it.  I was  confounded  ; yet  not 
willing  to  own  the  truth,  I said,  a porter  carrying  a load  came 
so  near  me  that  one  of  his  sticks  cut  my  cheek.  My  husband 
was  in  a rage.  “To-morrow,”  said  he,  “ I will  give  orders  to 
the  lieutenant  of  the  police  to  seize  all  those  brutes  of  porters 
and  hang  them.”  Frightened  at  this,  I declared  they  were  in- 
nocent. “ How  then  came  the  cheek  wounded  ? ” replied  he, 
sternly.  “ A broom-seller,”  said  I,  “ rode  against  me  and 
pushed  me  down.”  “Indeed,”  replied  my  husband,  “then to- 
morrow, the  grand  vizier  shall  have  an  account  of  this  inso- 
lence, and  shall  cause  all  the  broom-sellers  to  be  put  to  death.” 
“Ah!”  said  I,  “they  are  not  guilty.”  “How,  madam,” 
replied  he,  “what  is  all  this  I insist  on  knowing  the  truth 
immediately.”  “ Sir,”  said  I,  “ I was  taken  with  a giddiness 
and  fell  down,  and  that  is  the  whole  matter.” 

“I  have  too  long  listened  to  your  lies,”  exclaimed  hej 
then  clapping  his  hands,  three  slaves  entered,  whom  he  ordered 
to  put  me  to  death.  As  the  slaves  were  in  no  hurry  to  execute 
his  cruel  order,  I had  recourse  to  entreaties  and  prayers,  and 
the  nurse  joined  her  supplications  in  my  favor.  At  last  he 
said  to  her,  “ For  your  sake  I will  spare  her  life  ; but  think 
not  she  shall  escape  with  impunity.”  , At  these  words  he 
ordered  two  of  his  slaves  to  hold  me,  while  the  third  gave  me 
so  many  blows  on  my  sides  and  breast  with  a little  cane,  that 
he  fetched  away  the  skin  and  flesh.  I fainted  under  this  severe 
discipline.  While  I continued  senseless,  he  caused  me  to  be 
conveyed  to  a poor  habitation,  where  a strange  slave  attended 
me  till  I recovered,  and  then  left  me. 

When  I was  able  to  walk,  I resolved  to  go  to  my  own 
house,  but  I found  my  husband,  in  his  wrath,  had  caused  it  to 
be  pulled  down.  I determined,  therefore,  to  seek  the  protec- 
tion of  my  sister  Zobeide,  who  received  me  with  kindness,  and 
with  whom  I have  lived  contentedly  ever  since. 

When  Amine  had  finished  her  narrative,  the  caliph  asked  Zo- 
beide if  she  had  any  method  of  communication  with  the  fairy. 
“ I have,  sir,  a locket  of  hair,”  replied  she,  “ which  the  fairy 
left  with  me,  telling  me  I should  one  day  want  her  presence, 
and  if  I burned  that  hair,  she  would  not  fail  to  attend  me, 
though  she  were  beyond  the  mount  Caucasus.”  At  the  request 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


55 

of  the  caliph,  Zobeide  burned  the  hair ; immediately  the  palace 
began  to  shake,  and  in  a short  time  the  fairy  appeared  before 
the  caliph,  in  the  shape  of  a lady  richly  dressed. 

Handsome  fairy,’’  said  the  prince  to  her,  “ I have  wished 
to  see  you,  to  entreat  you  will  release  the  two  bitches  from 
their  present  situation.  I must  also  beg  you  will  discover  to 
me,  if  you  can,  who  was  that  barbarous  fellow  who  hath  treated 
this  lady  with  so  much  cruelty  and  injustice.  I only  wonder 
how  such  daring  acts  could  be  committed  in  defiance  of  my 
Authority,  and  remain  unknown  to  me.” 

The  fairy  readily  consented  ; and  the  two  bitches  being  pro 
duced,  she  took  a glass  of  water,  and  pronouncing  certain 
words,  she  threw  a part  of  it  upon  them,  and  the  rest  upon 
Amine.  Immediately  they  became  two  beautiful  women  ; and 
the  scars  in  Amine’s  bosom  soon  disappeared.  The  fairy  then 
said,  “ Commander  of  the  Faithful,  the  unknown  husband  of 
this  lady  is  Prince  Amin,  your  eldest  son.  She  had  been  im- 
prudent ; and  her  excuses  tended  rather  to  excite  suspicions  of 
her  having  been  yet  more  faulty  ; he  is  not,  therefore,  without 
excuse.  But  now  he  has  accidentally  heard  the  whole  truth, 
he  will  no  doubt  receive  her  again  to  his  heart.”  At  these 
words  the  fairy  saluted  the  caliph  and  disappeared. 

Prince  Amin  came  forward  and  joyfully  accepted  Amine 
from  the  hands  of  his  father.  After  which  the  caliph  invited 
Zobeide  to  share  the  throne  of  Persia  with  him,  and  bestowed 
her  other  three  sisters  on  the  three  calendars,  whom  he  admit- 
ted to  his  counsels,  and  promoted  to  the  highest  dignities  of 
his  empire. 


THE  SEVEN  VOYAGES  OF  SIND  BAD  THE  SAILOR. 

There  lived  formerly  at  Bagdad  a poor  porter  called  Hind- 
bad.  One  day,  when  the  weather  was  excessively  hot,  he  was 
employed  to  carry  a very  heavy  burden  : he  went  through  a 
street  where  the  pavement  was  sprinkled  with  rosewater,  and 
there  being  a pleasant  breeze,  he  laid  down  his  burden  by  the 
side  of  a large  house,  to  rest  himself.  He  enjoyed  the  agree- 
able smell  of  the  perfumes,  he  heard  the  sound  of  many  instru- 
ments playing  in  concert,  and  saw  a grand  feast  about  to  be 
served  up.  As  he  seldom  passed  that  way,  he  knew  not  whose 
house  it  was  ; but  asking,  was  told  that  it  belonged  to  Sindbad 
the  sailor. 

While  Hindbad  thought  this  handsome  building  belonged 


56  ARABIAI^  mGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENT'S, 

to  some  prince,  he  was  not  disturbed ; but  hearing  it  was  the 
property  of  a person  whom  he  supposed  had  been  of  his  own 
degree,  envy  took  possession  of  his  breast.  He  returned  sul- 
lenly to  his  load,  and  murmured  against  Providence,  who  had 
given  to  the  happy  Sindbad  a life  of  ease  and  luxury,  while  to 
him  w^as  allotted  fatigue  and  poverty.  While  he  was  expressing 
reflections  like  these  aloud,  two  of  the  servants  came  to  him 
and  desired  him  to  follow  them,  as  their  master,  Sindbad, 
wanted  to  speak  with  him. 

Hindbad  did  not  very  willingly  obey  them ; but  as  resist- 
ance was  in  vain,  he  suffered  himself  to  be  led  by  them  into  a 
great  hall,  where  there  was  a numerous  company  at  dinner. 
At  the  upper  end  of  the  table  there  sat  a comely,  venerable 
gentleman,  with  a long  white  beard : this  grave  gentleman  was 
Sindbad.  The  porter  being  introduced  to  him,  Sindbad  caused 
him  to  sit  down  at  his  right  hand,  and  served  him  himself  with 
excellent  wines  and  the  choicest  dainties. 

When  dinner  was  over,  Sindbad  began  to  converse  with  the 
porter ; and  calling  him  brother,  after  the  manner  of  the  Ara- 
bians when  they  are  familiar  with  one  another,  he  asked  him 
what  it  was  he  had  said  a while  ago  in  the  street  ? — for  Sind- 
bad had  chanced  to  overhear  his  murmurings.  The  porter, 
surprised  at  the  question,  hung  down  his  head,  and  replied,  “ I 
confess,  sir,  my  weariness  put  me  out  of  humor,  and  I uttered 
some  indiscreet  words,  which  I humbly  request  you  to  pardon.” 
“ I did  not  send  for  you,”  replied  Sindbad,  “ in  anger ; but  as  I 
find  you  murmur  at  my  having  obtained  the  affluence  I enjoy, 
that  you  may  not  continue  to  offend  God  by  envy  and  discontent, 
I will  relate  to  you  the  adventures  which  have  gained  me  all 
this  wealth,  and  I am  inclined  to  think  you  would  rather  con- 
tinue in  your  safe  and  easy  poverty,  than  be  exposed  to  the 
dangers  I have  gone  through,  though  they  have  so  greatly  em 
riched  me/^ 


SINDBAD’S  FIRST  VOYAGE. 

My  father  left  me  a decent  fortune,  which  I,  like  many  in- 
considerate young  men,  greatly  diminished.  Recollecting  my- 
self in  time,  I engaged  in  traffic  ; and  joining  with  several 
other  merchants,  we  freighted  a vessel,  and  set  out  on  a trading 
voyage.  One  day,  while  we  were  under  sail,  we  were  becalmed 
close  to  a little  island,  almost  even  with  the  surface  of  the 
water,  which  resembled  a green  meadow  The  captain  ordered 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


S\ 

the  sails  to  be  furled,  and  permitted  those  who  chose  it,  to  go 
on  shore  ; of  whom  I was  one. 

We  had  not  long  landed,  when,  on  a sudden,  the  island 
trembled,  and  shook  us  terribly.  The  people  on  board  saw 
our  situation,  and  called  out  to  us  to  re-embark  directly,  as 
what  we  had  taken  for  an  island  was  only  the  back  of  a pro- 
digious fish.  The  nimblest  of  us  got  into  the  sloop,  others 
jumped  into  the  sea,  and  swam  towards  the  vessel.  For  my 
part,  I was  still  on  the  back  of  the  fish  when  it  dived  into  the 
sea.  I got  hold  of  a piece  of  timber  which  we  had  brought  to 
make  a fire  with,  and  by  this  assistance  was  preserved  from 
sinking,  but  found  it  impossible  to  recover  the  ship. 

I continued  in  this  situation  till  the  next  day,  when  I made 
land,  much  fatigued.  As  I advanced  from  the  shore,  I saw  a 
very  fine  mare  feeding  ; I went  towards  her,  when  sundry  voices 
called  out  to  me,  which  seemed  to  come  from  under  the  ground. 
Looking  around,  I saw  a hollow  sunk  in  the  earth,  in  which 
were  several  men,  who  received  me  with  great  kindness,  and 
gave  me  every  necessary  refreshment.  They  were  grooms  to 
King  Mihrage.  Every  year  at  that  season  they  brought  thither 
the  king’s  mares,  and  fastened  them  one  by  one  to  a stake,  till 
they  were  covered  by  a horse  that  came  out  of  the  sea,  and 
who,  after  having  done  so,  endeavored  to  destroy  the  mare,  but 
was  prevented  and  driven  away  by  the  shouting  of  the  grooms. 
The  foals,  so  procured,  proving  very  excellent,  were  preserved 
for  the  king’s  use  only. 

Had  I been  a day  later,  I must  have  perished ; for  the 
island  was  very  barren,  and  they  had  so  nearly  finished  their 
business  for  that  year,  that  they  set  out  on  their  return  the  next 
morning.  On  our  arrival,  they  presented  me  to  the  king,  who, 
having  heard  my  story,  ordered  me  to  be  supplied  with  every- 
thing  I stood  in  need  of. 

There  belongs  to  this  king  an  island  named  Cassel ; they 
assured  me  that  every  night  a noise  of  drums  was  heard  there ; 
whence  the  mariners  fancy  it  is  the  residence  of  Degial.*  I 
had  a desire  to  see  this  wonderful  place,  and  in  my  way  thither 
saw  fishes  of  a hundred  and  two  hundred  cubits  long  ; far  from 
being  dangerous,  they  fly  from  the  least  noise.  I saw  also 
other  fishes  about  a cubit  long,  which  had  heads  like  owls. 

As  I was  one  day  at  the  port,  after  my  return,  I cast  my 
eye  on  some  bales  that  were  unloaded  from  a vessel  newly  ar- 

* Degial,  with  the  Mohammedans,  is  the  same  as  Antichrist  with  us.  They  have  a tra* 
dition  that  he  will  appear  about  the  end  of  the  world,  and  conquer  all  the  earth,  except 
Mecca,  Medina,  Tarsus,  and  Jerusalem,  which  are  to  be  preserved  by  angels,  whom  he 
shall  set  round  them. 


jg  T^RABZA ^mf  ^IVT:R: 

rived,  and  presently  1 Icnew  tliCm  to^  be  mine.  I sought  ^^he 
captain,  whom  I instantly  remembered ; but  it  was  some  time 
before  I could  persuade  him  that  I was  Sindbad,  so  confident 
was  he  that  he  had  seen  me  perish.  When  he  was  convinced, 
he  restored  me  my  cargo,  which,  through  the  favor  of  the  king,  I 
sold  to  very  great  advantage.  I loaded  my  part  of  the  vessel 
with  the  best  produce  of  the  country ; and  had  a safe  and  speedy 
passage  home,  where  I disposed  of  my  merchandise  to  the  value 
of  ten  thousand  sequins.*  I then  bought  slaves  of  both  sexes, 
built  me  a fine  house,  resolving  to  forget  the  miseries  I had 
suffered,  and  enjoy  myself. 

Sindbad  stopped  here,  and  ordered  the  musicians  to  renew 
the  concert.  In  the  evening  he  gave  the  porter  a purse  of  a 
hundred  sequins,  and  bid  him  come  the  next  day  to  hear  more 
of  his  adventures.  Hindbad  returned  home  to  his  family, 
blessing  God  for  what  he  had  received  at  the  hands  of  Sindbad. 


SINDBAD^S  SECOND  VOYAGE. 

I had  no  intention  of  venturing  the  sea  again  ; but  I soon 
grew  weary,  and  ashamed  of  an  inactive  life.  I embarked 
therefore  with  some  other  merchants,  and  having  been  at  sea 
some  time,  we  came  to  an  uninhabited  island ; we  landed  and 
dined  very  heartily.  Finding  myself  disposed  to  sleep,  I with- 
drew from  the  company  and  laid  myself  down  in  a charming 
grove.  How  long  I slept  I know  not ; but  when  I awoke  I 
perceived  the  ship  under  sail,  at  such  a distance  that  I soon  lost 
sight  of  her. 

My  surprise  and  grief  were  inexpressible  : but  remember- 
ing it  was  of  no  use  to  afflict  one’s-self  when  an  evil  is  unavoid- 
able, I resolved  to  suppress  my  unavailing  sorrow.  I climbed 
up  to  the  top  of  a great  tree,  that  by  an  extensive  prospect  I 
might  better  judge  of  my  situation.  I saw  at  no  great  distance 
a large  white  body ; when  I approached  ir,  I found  it  so  very 
smooth,  that  it  was  impossible  to  climb  it.  It  was  fifty  paces 
round,  and  of  a prodigious  height.  While  I was  examining 
this  phenomenon,  the  sky  on  a sudden  became  dark,  and  look- 
ing up  I saw  a bird  of  a monstrous  size  preparing  to  settle.  I 
now  knew  that  the  bird  was  a roc,  and  the  smooth  white  sub- 
stance was  its  egg. 

The  bird  alighted,  and  sat  over  the  egg  to  hatch  it.  As  I 
perceived  her  coming,  I crept  close  to  the  egg,  so  that  I had  be- 
fore me  one  of  the  legs  of  the  bird,  which  was  as  big  as  the 

^ The  Tiuki&h  seouiA  about  two 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


59 


trunk  of  a tree.  I tied  myself  strongly  to  it  with  the  cloth  that 
went  round  my  turban,  in  hopes  that  when  the  roc  flew 
away,  she  woufd  carry  me  to  some  place  where  I should  find 
inhabitants.  Accordingly,  the  next  morning,  when  she  took 
wing,  she  raised  me  with  her,  and  when  she  alighted,  I quickly 
untied  the  knot,  which  I had  scarce  done,  when  she  flew  away 
again,  taking  in  her  bill  a serpent  of  monstrous  length. 

The  place  where  I was  left  was  a deep  valley,  surrounded 
on  all  sides  with  precipices  so  steep  that  it  was  impossible  to 
climb  them.  I soon  found  that  I was  no  way  benefited  by  the 
exchange.  As  I walked  along,  I perceived  the  ground  was 
strewed  with  diamonds  ; I examined  them  with  much  pleasure, 
but  presently  saw  objects  which  at  once  put  an  end  to  all  my 
agreeable  ideas,  and  terrified  me  exceedingly.  These  were 
a number  of  serpents,  each  capable  of  swallowing  an  elephant. 
They  had  now  retired  to  their  dens,  to  avoid  their  enemy  the 
roc  ; but  I had  no  doubt  I should  have  everything  to  fear  from 
them  at  night. 

I immediately  sought  a secure  retreat,  and  was  so  lucky  as 
to  find  one.  In  the  evening,  as  I expected,  all  the  serpents 
left  their  dens,  and  came  hissing  about  my  retreat.  Though 
they  could  not  hurt  me,  they  put  me  into  such  extreme  fear, 
that  I could  not  sleep.  When  the  day  came,  the  serpents  re 
tired,  and  I came  out  of  my  cave  trembling,  and  1 can  truly 
say,  that  I walked  a long  time  upon  diamonds,  without  having 
the  least  inclination  to  touch  them.  At  last,  spent  with  fatigue 
and  want  of  rest,  I was  obliged  to  lay  down  to  sleep ; but  had 
scarce  shut  my  eyes  when  I was  awakened  by  a great  piece  of 
fresh  meat  falling  close  to  me  ; at  the  same  time  I saw  others 
fall  from  the  rocks  in  different  places. 

This  circumstance  gave  me  immediate  hope  of  escape.  .1 
had  always  considered  as  fabulous  the  stories  told  of  the  val- 
ley of  diamonds,  and  of  the  stratagems  used  by  merchants  to 
get  jewels  thence ; but  now  I found  them  true.  This  valley, 
from  the  height,  and  from  the  rocks  which  bound  it,  being 
utterly  inaccessible  to  man,  the  adventurers  come  as  near 
as  may  be  at  the  time  eagles  hatch  their  young,  and,  by  the 
help  of  machines,  throw  very  large  pieces  of  raw  flesh  high 
into  the  air ; these  falling  upon  the  diamonds,  their  sharp 
points  enter  the  flesh,  and  they  stick  to  it ; the  eagles,  which 
are  larger  here  than  in  any  other  country,  convey  these  .pieces  of 
meat  to  their  nests,  to  feed  their  young ; but  the  merchants 

* Mark  Paul,  in  his  travels,  and  Father  Martini  in  his  History  of  China,  speak  of  this 
bird,  asid  say  it  will  take  up  an  elephant  or  a rhinoceros. 


6o 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


frighten  away  the  old  bird,  till  they  have  examined  the  prey 
and  taken  away  the  diamonds  which  may  chance  to  stick  to  it. 

I now  no  longer  doubted  the  truth  of  this  account.  I be- 
gan therefore  very  deliberately  to  select  the  largest  and  clearest 
diamonds  I could  find ; and  having  filled  my  provision  bag 
with  them,  and  secured  it  to  my  girdle,  I took  a piece  of  meat,  and 
tying  it  to  my  back,  I laid  down  with  my  face  to  the  ground. 
In  a short  time  one  of  the  eagles  seized  me,  and  conveyed  me 
to  his  nest. 

As  soon  as  the  eagle  had  deposited  me,  the  merchants, 
as  usual,  drove  him  away.  Every  merchant  had  his  dis- 
tinct nest,  which  was  considered  as  his  peculiar  property. 
When  the  owner  of  the  nest  where  I was  ascended  to  it  and 
saw  me,  he  was  at  first  much  frightened ; but  recovering  him- 
self, he  began  to  upbraid  me  with  his  disappointment ; he 
helped  me,  notwithstanding,  to  descend,  and  introduced  me  to 
the  other  merchants,  who  heard  my  story  with  amazement. 

When  the  season  for  throwing  the  meat  was  over,  we  all 
prepared  to  return  to  our  several  countries.  Before  we  parted,  I 
took  aside  the  merchant  in  whose  nest  I was  found,  and  showed 
him  the  bag  of  diamonds  I had  selected  in  the  valley.  I told 
him  I considered  him  as  my  deliverer,  and  frankly  offered  to 
share  them  with  him.  He  was  astonished  at  their  size  and 
beauty ; but  I could  only  prevail  with  him  to  accept  of  one, 
and  that  one  of  the  smallest,  which,  he  said,  would  raise  him  as 
great  a fortune  as  he  wished  for.  We  parted  perfectly  satis- 
fied with  each  other,  and  I returned  by  the  first  ship  to  Bagdad. 

We  touched  at  the  isle  of  Roha,  where  the  trees  grow  that 
yield  camphor.  These  trees  are  so  large  that  a hundred  men 
may  easily  sit  under  the  shade  of  one  of  them.  They  bore  a 
hole  in  the  upper  part  of  the  tree,  whence  issues  a juice 
which,  being  received  into  a vessel,  acquires  a consistency, 
and  becomes  what  we  call  camphor ; after  which  the  tree 
withers  and  dies. 

There  is  in  this  island  the  rhinoceros,  a creature  less  than 
the  elephant,  but  greater  than  the  buffalo.  It  has  a horn 
upon  its  nose  about  a cubit  long,  which  is  solid  and  cleft  in 
the  middle  : there  are  upon  -it  draughts  representing  the  figures 
of  men.  The  rhinoceros  fights  with  the  elephant,  runs  his 
horn  into  his  belly,  and  carries  him  off  upon  his  head  ; but  the 
blood  and  fat  of  the  elephant  run  into  his  eyes,  and  make  him 
blind.  He  falls  to  the  ground,  and  what  is  very  astonishing, 
the  roc  carries  them  both  in  her  claws,  to  be  meat  for  her 
young  ones. 


AI^AB/AN-  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  6i 

On  my  arrival  at  Bagdad,  I gave  large  sums  to  the  poor, 
and  lived  honorably  on  the  vast  riches  I had  required  with  so 
much  danger  and  fatigue. 

Sindbad  gave  the  porter  another  purse  of  a hundred  se- 
quins, and  invited  him  to  return  the  next  day. 


SINDBAD’S  THIRD  VOYAGE. 

I soon  forgot  the  risks  I had  run  in  my  two  former  voy- 
ages, and  hating  idleness,  projected  a third.  I embarked  ac- 
cordingly, and  after  some  day's  favorable  weather,  we  wero 
overtaken  by  a tempest,  which  drove  us  quite  out  of  our  course. 
Our  vessel  being  much  shattered,  we  were  glad  to  make  the 
first  port  to  repair  our  damages. 

We  had  scarce  begun  this  necessary  business,  when  we  were 
beset  in  a very  extraordinary  manner.  An  innumerable  multi- 
tude of  little  frightful  savages,  covered  all  over  with  red  hair, 
came  swimming  about  us.  They  were  not  more  than  two  feet 
high,  but  seemed  uncommonly  strong  and  nimble.  Their  im- 
mense number  and  horrible  appearance  so  terrified  us,  that  we 
suffered  them  to  board  and  take  possession  of  the  vessel  with- 
out resistance.  This  was  a lucky  circumstance  for  us ; for 
there  was  no  hope  of  escaping,  and  we  learned  afterwards,  that 
if  we  had  killed  one  of  them,  they  would  have  put  us  all  to 
death. 

Having  taken  possession  of  the  vessel,  they  set  us  on  shore, 
and  made  signs  that  we  might  go  where  we  pleased.  After 
which  they  returned  on  board,  and  sailed  to  another  island  to 
which  they  belonged.  We  marched  together  into  the  country, 
and  had  not  advanced  far,  when  we  came  to  a great  pile  of 
buildings,  which  we  entered.  We  found  the  doors  and  rooms 
uncommonly  lofty ; but  our  attention  was  soon  engaged  by  an 
appearance  equally  shocking  and  alarming.  On  entering  a 
vast  apartment,  we  found  various  fragments  of  human  bodies, 
and  a parcel  of  spits,  on  which  they  had  evidently  been  roasted. 
Though  we  were  much  fatigued,  we  were  about  to  retire  hastily 
from  a habitation  which  threatened  us  so  dreadfully,  when  all 
power  of  escape  was  taken  from  us,  by  the  presence  of  the 
owner  of  the  mansion. 

He  was  a tremendous  black  giant,  as  high  as  a tall  palm- 
tree,  with  only  one  eye  in  the  middle  of  his  forehead,  which 
looked  as  red  as  a burning  coal ; his  teeth  and  nails  were  long 
and  sharp,  and  his  mouth  resembled  that  of  a horse.  The 


62 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTA/NMENl^.^ 


sight  of  so  frightful  a figure  rendered  us  immovable  with  horror 
After  surveying  us  for  some  time  he,  took  me  up  by  the  nape 
of  the  neck,  and  felt  my  body  as  a butcher  would  his  sheep. 
Finding  me  very  thin,  he  set  me  down  and  took  up  another  ; 
at  last,  laying  hands  on  our  captain,  who  was  fat,  he  thrust  a 
long  spit  through  him,  and  kindling  a fire,  he  roasted  and  ate 
him.  After  which  he  retired  to  an  adjoining  room,  where  he 
slept,  and  snored  all  night  like  thunder.  In  the  morning  he 
got  up,  went  out,  and  left  us  in  his  dwelling. 

Our  distress  may  easily  be  imagined.  For  some  time  we 
abandoned  ourselves  to  despair.  But  finding  we  were  not  con- 
fined, we  divided  ourselves  into  small  parties,  and  sought 
various  hiding-places,  where  we  vainly  hoped  to  continue  in 
safety.  In  the  evening,  the  giant  found  out  all  our  retreats, 
and  collecting  us  together,  drove  us  before  him  into  his  habita* 
tion,  where  another  of  our  companions  fell  a sacrifice  to  his 
voracious  appetite  ; after  which  he  retired  and  slept  as  before. 

The  next  day  we  renewed  our  lamentations,  and  some  of 
the  company  began  to  talk  of  throwing  themselves  into  the  sea, 
^ rather  than  die  so  strange  a death.  I reminded  them  that  we 
were  forbidden  to  destroy  ourselves.  That,  as  there  was  a 
great  deal  of  timber  floating  on  the  coast,  we  might  make  small 
floats  to  carry  us  to  sea  ; and  though  the  risk  would  be  great, 
yet  our  present  situation  was  still  more  desperate.  We  set 
about  them  immediately ; but  just  as  they  were  finished,  the 
night  approached.  The  giant  again  conducted  us  to  his  cavern, 
and  repeated  his  cruelty. 

While  we  were  busy  in  preparing  our  floats,  I proposed  a 
scheme  to  my  companions  to  revenge  ourselves  of  this  monster, 
in  case  we  were  obliged,  as  I feared  we  should  be,  to  pass 
another  night  in  his  power.  Accordingly,  when  we  heard  him 
snore,  ten  of  the  boldest  of  us  took  each  a spit,  making  the 
points  red-hot  in  the  embers  of  the  fire  where  he  had  roasted 
our  friends,  we  thrust  them  all  at  once  into  his  eye,  and  blinded 
him.  He  awoke  in  great  agonies,  and  making  a frightful  out- 
cry, he  felt  about,  in  hopes  of  sacrificing  us  to  his  fury ; but  we 
took  care  to  be  out  of  his  reach,  and  finding  he  sought  for  us  in 
vain,  he  groped  for  the  gate,  and  went  out  howling  dreadfully. 

We  hastened  to  the  sea-side,  and  got  our  floats  into  the 
water ; but  as  it  was  yet  night,  we  agreed  not  to  put  to  sea  tilJ 
daybreak.  We  were  not  without  hope  that  our  enemy,  whose 
howling  we  still  heard,  might  die ; in  which  case  we  need  not 
risk  our  lives  upon  the  floats,  but  stay  till  a better  conveyance 
might  be  made.  Day  had  scarcely  appeared,  when  we  found 


AJ^AB IAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


63 

It  necessary  to  put  to  sea  with  all  possible  haste  ; for  we  saw 
the  blinded  giant  coming  towards  us,  led  by  two  others  of  his 
own  species,  as  large  and  terrible  as  himself. 

We  rowed  off  immediately ; and  having  got  a little  way  from 
shore,  began  to  congratulate  each  other  on  our  escape.  But 
we  were  deceived  ; for  as  soon  as  the  giants  saw  us,  they  ran 
to  the  adjacent  rocks,  and  tearing  away  huge  masses  of  stone, 
they  threw  them  after  us,  and  destroyed  every  float,  except  the 
one  on  which  I was  with  two  others.  We  were  so  fortunate  as 
to  get  out  of  their  reach,  and  we  thought  ourselves  more  so 
when,  the  next  day,  we  made  an  island  abounding  with  ex- 
cellent fruit,  which  greatly  refreshed  us. 

But  alas  ! another  danger  awaited  us,  no  less  fatal  and  hor- 
rid than  that  which  we  had  fled  from.  As  night  approached, 
we  took  refuge  in  a cavern  we  had  discovered,  and  fell  asleep ; 
but  were  soon  awakened  by  the  approach  of  a prodigious  ser- 
pent, who,  seizing  one  of  my  companions,  notwithstanding  his 
utmost  efforts,  crushed  his  bones  to  pieces  and  swallowed  him 
up  before  us : after  which  the  monster  retired,  leaving  us  un- 
hurt, but  terrified  beyond  expression. 

The  day  following  we  passed  in  fruitless  endeavors  to  es- 
cape from  this  new  distress.  But  the  tide  having  driven  our 
float  among  some  concealed  rocks,  we  had  not  strength  to  dis- 
engage it  ; and  were  obliged,  by  the  approach  of  night,  to  seek 
shelter  on  land.  To  avoid  the  serpent,  we  sought  out  a very 
high  tree,  which  we  climbed  almost  to  the  top.  In  a short  time 
the  tremendous  monster  appeared,  hissing  horribly.  He  came 
immediately  to  our  tree,  and  winding  himself  round  the  trunk, 
he  ascended  with  much  ease  till  he  reached  my  companion, 
who  fell  an  unresisting  sacrifice  to  his  voracity. 

I remained  for  this  time  in  safety,  the  serpent  retiring  vflien 
he  had  devoured  my  comrade.  In  the  morning  I descended 
from  the  tree,  and  passed  the  day  in  a state  of  stupefying  hor- 
ror. Toward  evening  I began  to  recollect  my  situation.  I 
gathered  together  a large  quantity  of  fagot-wood,  with  which  I 
formed  a circle  round  the  tree.  The  serpent  came  at  the  usual 
hour,  but  was  prevented  by  the  rampart  I had  made  from 
approaching  me.  He  continued  attempting  to  force  his  way 
till  day  appeared,  when  he  retired. 

Though  I had  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  my  escape,  yet 
the  terror  of  my  situation,  and  even  beyond  that,  the  poison- 
ous breath  of  the  serpent,  had  made  the  night  inexpressibly 
terrible.  Rather  than  pass  such  another,  I determined,  if  I 
could  not  remove  the  float,  to  tear  off  a single  plank  and  put 


64  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

to  sea  upon  it.  I went  down  to  the  shore  to  execute  this  pui> 
pose,  when  I saw  a ship  at  a considerable  distance.  I presently 
loosed  my  turban,  and  displaying  the  linen,  made  signals  of 
distress.  Fortunately  the  captain  perceived  me,  and  sending  a 
boat  for  me,  brought  me  safely  on  board. 

My  joy  at  this  deliverance  could  only  be  equalled  by  the 
benevolence  of  the  captain  and  merchants,  who  heard  my  story 
with  wonder,  and  relieved  my  necessities  with  great  liberality. 
The  ship  was  of  Balsora,  but  first  bound  on  a trading  voyage  to 
Salabat ; I had  reason,  therefore,  to  hope  I should  soon  reach 
my  native  country,  though  not  with  my  usual  increase  of  for- 
tune. In  this  last  expectation  I was  agreeably  disappointed  ; 
for  on  opening  the  cargo  when  we  arrived  at  Salabat,  the  cap- 
tain, who  was  become  much  attached  to  me,  proposed  that  I 
should  undertake  the  management  of  a part  of  the  cargo  which 
had  belonged  to  a merchant  who  had  sailed  on  board,  but  was 
dead.  On  receiving  the  bales  into  my  possession,  I found 
they  were  entered  in  my  own  name,  and  that  I was  actually  on 
board  the  same  vessel  in  which  I had  sailed  on  my  second  voy- 
age. 

The  captain  soon  remembered  me,  and  restored  very  read- 
ily all  my  goods,  which  he  had  greatly  improved.  Thus  I be- 
came unexpectedly  enriched  by  this  voyage.  I distributed 
largely  of  my  gains  to  my  friends  and  the  poor,  and  had  enough 
to  buy  another  considerable  estate.  To-morrow  (continued 
Sindbad,  presenting  the  porter  with  another  purse)  come  and 
hear  my  next  adventure. 


SINDBAD’S  FOURTH  VOYAGE. 

Industry  was  now  become  habitual  to  me.  I soon  fitted 
out  another  vessel,  and  again  set  sail.  After  several  weeks  of 
fine  weather,  a furious  tempest  drove  our  vessel  on  a strange 
shore.  The  cargo  and  most  of  the  crew  were  lost,  and  those 
who  escaped  were  in  the  utmost  distress. 

Next  morning  the  natives  of  the  country,  who  were  blacks, 
came  down  upon  us  in  a body,  and  seizing  us,  drove  us  before 
them  a long  way  up  the  country.  On  our  arriving  at  their 
town,  they  gave  us  an  herb,  which  they  made  signs  for  us  to 
eat.  My  companions,  pressed  by  hunger,  readily  obeyed ; but 
1,  perceiving  they  themselves  ate  none  of  it,  and  expecting  no 
good  from  such  inhospitable  hands,  concealed  what  they  gave 
aie,  and  only  pretended  to  eat  .b 


ARABIAN"  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


6S 

They  now  set  us  at  liberty,  and  gave  us  plenty  of  rice  and 
other  provisions,  of  which  they  themselves  also  partook.  While 
I was  at  a loss  to  account  for  their  behavior,  I found,  on  ad- 
dressing myself  to  my  companions,  that  every  one  of  them  had 
lost  his  understanding;  so  baneful  was  the  effect  of  the  herb 
they  had  first  eaten. 

Our  masters  perceived  no  difference  between  me  and  my 
comrades.  They  gave  us  great  abundance  of  food,  of  which 
my  unfortunate  shipmates  ate  greedily,  and  soon  became  fat. 
Then  was  the  mystery  of  our  fate  made  plain.  The  blacks 
were  cannibals ; and  having  first  deprived  us  all,  as  they  sup- 
posed, of  our  reason,  they  fatted  us  up  as  delicacies  for  their 
inhuman  feasts.  My  companions  soon  fell  victims  to  their 
cruelty.  But  for  me,  partly  from  the  horror  of  my  situation, 
and  partly  from  my  own  care  in  eating  no  more  than  was 
necessary  to  preserve  life,  I grew  every  day  leaner.  The  blacks, 
therefore,  put  oft  my  destiny  to  a future  time. 

The  barbarians,  not  doubting  but  I was  bereft  of  under- 
standing, allowed  me  a great  deal  of  liberty.  One  day,  on 
some  particular  occasion,  all  the  inhabitants  went  out  of  town 
together,  except  a few  feeble  old  people  of  whom  I was  in  no 
fear.  I instantly  seized  the  lucky  moment  to  escape,  and  dis- 
regarding the  outcries  of  those  who  remained  in  the  town,  I 
set  off  with  all  possible  speed,  and  gained  some  neighboring 
woods,  which  afforded  me  food  and  shelter. 

I travelled  many  days,  avoiding  with  great  care  any  place 
which  seemed  to  be  inhabited.  At  length  I came  near  to  the 
sea,  and  saw  some  white  people  gathering  pepper,  which  I took 
for  a good  omen.  . I went  among  them  without  scruple,  and 
was  overjoyed  to  hear  them  speak  Arabic. 

These  people  received  me  kindly ; and  when  they  had 
laden  their  ships  with  pepper,  they  took  me  with  them  to  their 
own  country,  and  introduced  me  to  their  king.  I was  so  well 
treated  by  my  new  protectors,  that  I soon  recovered  my  health 
and  spirits.  I became  a favorite  with  the  king,  and  a trivial 
matter  greatly  increased  my  influence  with  him.  I observed 
that  the  prince  and  all  his  courtiers  rode  theii  horses  without 
saddle,  bridle,  or  stirrups.  I found  workmen^  and  giving  them 
proper  models,  I caused  all  those  articles  to  be  made,  and  pre- 
sented them  to  the  king,  who  was  highly  pleased  with  them. 
I made  others  for  all  the  principal  courtiers,  and  introduced 
several  other  mechanical  arts  which  were  familiar  to  me,  but 
entirely  unknown  in  that  country. 

By  these  means  I conciliated  the  favor  both  of  the  prince 


66 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


and  the  people.  The  king  not  only  made  me  very  consider- 
able presents,  but  being  desirous  that  I should  settle  in  his 
country,  he  gave  me  for  a wife  one  of  the  richest  and  most 
beautiful  ladles  of  the  court.  I durst  not  oppose  the  royal 
pleasure ; I received  the  lady,  therefore,  with  seeming  joy,  and 
lived  with  her  in  much  harmony.  But  I could  not  forget  my 
native  c untry,  nor  suppress  a wish  to  make  my  escape  and 
return  thither. 

While  these  thoughts  took  up  much  of  my  attention,  the  wife 
of  a neighbor  with  whom  I had  become  intimate,  died.  I went 
to  comfort  my  friend,  and  saluting  him  in  the  usual  manner,  I 
wished  him  a long  life.  Alas  ! ’’  said  he,  “ I have  not  an 
hour  to  live ; I must  be  buried  presently  with  my  wife.  Do 
you  not  know,”  continued  he,  “ that  it  is  the  law  of  this  coun- 
try, a law  on  no  account  ever  violated,  that  the  living  husband 
is  interred  with  the  dead  wife,  and  the  living  wife  with  the  dead 
husband  ? ” 

While  he  was  talking  thus  with  me,  his  kindred,  friends, 
and  neighbors  came  to  assist  at  the  funeral.  They  dressed 
the  deceased  in  her  gayest  apparel,  and  ornamented  her  with 
all  her  jewels ; and  having  placed  her  in  an  open  coffin,  they 
began  their  march  to  the  place  of  burial,  the  husband  walking 
at  the  head  of  the  company.  They  went  up  a high  mountain, 
and  near  the  summit  of  it  they  came  to  a large  stone  which 
covered  the  mouth  of  a very  deep  pit.  Having  raised  the 
stone,  they  let  down  the  corpse  ; the  husband  then  employed 
his  friends,  and  suffered  himself  to  be  placed  in  another  open 
coffin,  with  a pitcher  of  water  and  seven  little  loaves,  and  was 
let  down  in  the  same  manner.  The  ceremony  being  over,  they 
covered  the  hole  with  a stone,  and  returned  to  the  city. 

Though  I was  struck  with  terror  and  astonishment  at  this 
barbarous  transaction,  the  rest  of  the  company  were  entirely 
unmoved.  Accustomed  to  it  from  their  earliest  infancy,  they 
regarded  it  as  a matter  of  course.  I thought  the  law  so  absurd, 
as  well  as  cruel,  that  I ventured  to  speak  my  sentiments  on  it 
to  the  king;  but  I found  his  majesty  immovably  prejudiced  in 
its  favor.  “ It  is  a usage  here,”  said  he,  “ as  universal  as  it  is 
ancient ; we  have  no  trace  how  early  it  began,  nor  a single  in- 
stance of  an  exception  from  it,  from  the  sovereign  to  the  mean- 
est peasant.”  “ Stranger:  I hope,”  replied  I,  “ are  not  subject 
to  this  barbarous  law  ” ‘‘  Indeed  they  are,”  said  the  king, 

smiling,  “ if  they  marry  in  this  country.” 

From  that  hour  I became  the  prey  of  continual  apprehen- 
sion. Every  little  indisposition  of  my  wife,  however  trifling, 


ARABIAAT  rnGHTS^  BATTER  TA/JVMEJVTS. 


67 


alarmed  me.  I renewed  with  redoubled  earnestness  my  endeav- 
ors to  escape  ; but,  as  if  my  conversation  with  the  king  had 
excited  his  suspicions,  I found  it  impossible  to  elude  the  spies 
which  everywhere  surrounded  me.  In  a short  time  all  these 
apprehensions  were  realized.  My  wife  fell  sick,  and  in  a very 
few  days  died. 

Judge  of  my  feelings  on  this  dismal  occasion.  Flight  or 
resistance  were  alike  impracticable.  The  body  was  imme- 
diately prepared  for  interment  ; the  cavalcade  began,  and  1 
was  obliged  to  lead  the  procession.  On  our  arrival  at  the 
fatal  pit,  I begged  leave  to  address  the  king  and  his  court, 
who,  in  honor  to  me,  attended  the  funeral.  It  was  granted, 
but  to  no  purpose.  In  vain  I threw  myself  at  the  monarch’s 
feet,  pleading  my  past  services.  In  vain  I harangued  the  peo- 
ple on  the  cruelty  and  injustice  of  subjecting  a stranger  to  so 
barbarous  a law.  In  vain  I urged  that  I had  another  wife  and 
children  in  my  own  country;  which  plea,  as  good  Mussul- 
mans, who  allow  polygamy,  they  ought  to  respect.  Instead  of 
being  moved  by  my  pleas  and  entreaties,  they  only  made  the 
more  haste  to  inter  the  corpse  ; and  notwithstanding  my  ex- 
clamation and  outcries,  they  forced  me  into  the  coffin,  and 
having  lowered  me  down,  they  shut  the  mouth  of  the  pit. 

When  I reached  the  bottom,  I threw  myself  on  the  ground 
in  a transport  of  grief.  How  many  hours  I passed  in  this 
state  I cannot  tell ; but  as  nature  will  not  support  continual 
anguish,  I became  at  length  by  degrees  more  composed.  I 
then  surveyed  my  situation,  and  found,  from  a little  light  which 
here  and  there  broke  through  the  cavities  of  the  rock,  that  I 
was  in  a cave  of  great  length.  Innumerable  dry  bones  were 
scattered  on  the  ground,  interspersed  with  jewels  and  trinkets 
of  immense  value,  which  had  been  buried  with  the  different 
bodies ; but  to  my  great  surprise,  there  was  no  stench,  which  I 
was  then  at  a loss  to  account  for. 

Notwithstanding  my  hopeless  situation,  and  the  misery  I 
felt  in  contemplating  it,  something,  I know  not  what,  preserved 
me  from  absolute  despair.  I determined  to  husband  my  bread 
and  water  with  the  utmost  care  ; and  actually  managed  it  so 
that  it  supported  me  for  many  days  ; at  length  it  was  quite  ex- 
hausted, and  I was  just  resigning  myself  to  death,  when  I per- 
ceived the  stone  at  the  mouth  of  the  pit  to  be  removed.  I had 
no  doubt  but  another  funeral  was  taking  place.  Instantly 
snatching  up  a large  bone,  I concealed  myself  in  the  corner  of 
the  cavern.  I waited  till  the  second  coffin  was  let  down,  and 
the  pit  covered,  when  finding  a woman  had  been  buried  with 


68  AKABIA2V  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

her  deceased  husband,  I gave  the  unfortunate  wretch  several 
blows,  which  speedily  dispatched  her  ; and  seizing  on  her  bread 
and  water,  I became  possessed  of  the  means  of  preserving  my 
life  a little  longer. 

A few  days  after,  when  this  store,  so  dreadfully  obtained, 
was  nearly  gone,  as  I was  sitting  on  my  coffin,  I heard  some- 
thing walking  and  panting  as  it  approached  from  the  interior 
parts  of  the  cavern  ; which  being  entirely  dark,  I had  not 
attempted  to  explore.  On  this  occasion,  my  situation  was  too 
desperate  to  admit  of  fear;  and  I determined  to  meet  it.  As  I 
advanced,  I found  the  noise  retreat  from  me.  I continued  to 
follow  it,  till  at  length  I found,  to  my  inexpressible  joy,  that  it 
led  me  to  a hole  in  the  rock  big  enough  for  me  to  escape 
through. 

When  I arrived  in  open  day,  I threw  myself  on  my  knees 
and  returned  thanks  to  heaven  for  my  deliverance.  I found  I 
was  on  the  sea-coast,  with  the  immense  mountain  in  which  I 
had  been  buried  between  me  and  the  town.  I perceived  also 
that  the  creature  I had  followed  was  a sea-monster,  who  had  no 
doubt  come  into  the  cavern  to  feed  on  the  dead  bodies ; and 
thence  I could  account  for  the  air  of  that  dismal  place  being  so 
little  noxious.  Having  refreshed  myself  plentifully  with  the 
fruits  I found  on  the  mountain,  I had  the  courage  to  penetrate 
the  cavern  again,  and  bring  away  part  of  the  jewels  and  other 
treasures  it  contained.  I did  so  repeatedly  for  some  days,  and 
made  up  several  bales  of  them  with  the  apparel  I found  in  the 
cavern. 

Soon  after  I was  so  lucky  as  to  discover  a siiip.  My  signals 
were  seen  on  board,  and  a boat  sent  to  my  relief,  which  con- 
veyed me  and  my  bales  to  the  vessel.  As  neither  the  captain 
nor  crew  were  very  inquisitive,  they  were  satisfied  with  a loose 
account  I gave  them,  of  my  having  been  shipwrecked  where 
they  found  me.  We  had  a short  and  agreeable  passage,  and 
arrived  safely  at  Bagdad.  I handsomely  rewarded  my  delive- 
rers, nor  did  I forget  to  distribute  part  of  my  wealth  among  my 
friends  and  the  necessitous. 

Sindbad  having  finished  his  relation,  gave  the  porter  another 
purse,  and  another  invitation  to  hear  his  further  adventures. 


SINDBAD’S  FIFTH  VOYAGE. 

By  this  time  my  name  became  celebrated  as  a bold  navigator 
and  fortunate  merchant.  My  vanity  was  so  highly  gratified  by 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS.  69 

these  distinctions,  that  I determined  to  support  my  claim  to 
them  by  undertaking  another  voyage. 

Accordingly,  I fitted  out  and  loaded  a stout  ship,  of  larger 
burden  than  any  I had  sailed  in  before.  We  had  been  several 
weeks  at  sea  before  we  made  land,  and  at  last  touched  at  a 
desert  island,  where  we  found  an  egg  of  a roc.  There  was  a 
young  roc  in  it  almost  hatched,  as  the  bill  began  to  appear. 

As  we  had  been  for  some  time  confined  to  salt  provisions, 
the  sailors  determined  to  have  a feast.  Accordingly,  they 
broke  the  egg  with  hatchets,  and  cutting  away  large  pieces  of 
the  young  roc,  they  roasted  them  and  regaled  themselves.  I 
earnestly  persuaded  them  in  vain  from  this  rash  measure ; 
however,  when  they  had  gratified  their  desires,  they  listened  to 
my  advice ; which  was,  to  hasten  on  board,  and  sail  directly 
away  before  the  old  roc  should  return.  We  embarked,  and  got 
under  way  with  all  diligence ; but  we  scarce  had  weighed 
anchor,  when  we  saw  the  male  and  female  rocs  appear  at  a 
distance,  like  two  large  clouds.  When  they  approached  their 
egg  and  found  it  broken,  the  noise  they  made  was  tremendous. 

They  rose  again  immediately  in  the  air,  and  flew  away,  so 
that  we  lost  sight  of  them,  and  began  to  think  we  had  nothing 
to  apprehend.  These  hopes  were  soon  at  an  end  : in  a very 
little  time  we  saw  them  approaching  us  slowly ; when  they  drew 
near  we  discovered  too  plainly  the  cause  of  this  delay ; they 
carried  between  their  talons,  stones,  or  rather  rocks,  of  a pro- 
digious size.  When  they  came  directly  over  our  ship,  they 
hovered,  and  one  of  them  let  fall  the  stone  she  held,  whioh,  by 
the  dexterity  of  the  steersman,  we  evaded.  But  the  other  roc 
was  more  successful.  His  stone  fell  in  the  middle  of  the  ship, 
which  it  split  into  a thousand  pieces. 

All  the  crew  were  either  killed  by  the  fall  of  the  stone,  or 
sunk  very  deep  into  the  sea.  The  latter  was  my  fate  ; I con- 
tinued so  long  under  water  that  I was  almost  spent,  but  on 
regaining  the  surface  I found  a piece  of  the  wreck  near  me.  I 
immediately  got  upon  it,  and  committing  myself  to  the  mercy 
of  the  waves,  I had  the  good  fortune  next  day  to  get  on  shore 
on  an  island,  the  most  beautiful  and  fertile  I had  ever  seen. 

The  whole  country  appeared  a delicious  garden,  abounding 
with  the  choicest  fruit-trees.  I refreshed  myself  plentifully,  and 
afterwards  resigned  myself  to  sleep.  The  next  day  I awoke, 
fully  recovered  from  my  fatigue,  but  much  grieved  for  the  loss 
of  my  companions. 

As  the  country  was  so  pleasant,  I resolved  to  penetrate 
further  into  it  in  search  of  inhabitants,  I had  not  advanced  far 


70 


ARABIAN  mCHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


when,  coming  to  the  bank  of  a stream,  I saw  a little  old  man, 
who  seemed  to  be  very  weak  and  feeble.  I saluted  him,  which 
he  returned  by  bowing  his  head,  and  making  signs  for  me  to 
take  him  on  my  back  and  carry  him  over  the  brook.  I thought 
he  wanted  assistance,  and  readily  complied,  and  when  on  the 
other  side,  I stooped  that  he  might  get  off  with  the  greater 
ease ; but  instead  of  doing  so,  he  clasped  his  legs  nimbly  about 
my  neck.  His  skin  appeared  as  impenetrable  as  iron  : he  sat 
astride  on  my  shoulders,  and  held  me  so  close  that  I thought 
he  would  have  strangled  me. 

The  surprise  and  terror  of  my  situation  overcame  me.  I 
fainted  and  fell  down  ; notwithstanding  which,  the  old  man 
continued  on  my  shoulders.  When  he  found  I had  recovered, 
he  struck  me  so  severely  with  his  feet,  that  I was  obliged  to 
rise,  and  carry  him  where  he  pointed.  At  night  he  made  signs 
to  me  to  lie  down,  he  continuing  his  hold  about  my  neck  ; and 
in  the  morning,  when  he  wished  to  rise,  he  struck  me  with  his 
feet,  as  a signal  to  get  up,  with  him  on  my  shoulders. 

In  this  manner  I continued  for  a considerable  time,  bur- 
dened with  the  execrable  old  fellow,  who  never  left  me  for  a 
single  moment.  One  day  I found  in  my  way  some  dry  cala- 
bashes ; I took  a large  one,  and  having  cleaned  it,  I filled  it 
with  the  juice  of  grapes,  and  ^et  it  in  a convenient  place.  Some 
time  after,  I returned  thither,'  and  found  my  wine  very  good. 
I drank  heartily  of  it,  which  raised  my  spirits,  and  I began  to 
sing  and  dance  as  I walked  along. 

The  old  man,  perceiving  what  effect  the  wine  had  upon  me, 
made  signs  for  me  to  give  him  some.  I gave  him  the  calabash, 
and  he  was  so  pleased  with  the  liquor  that  he  drank  if  all.  The 
fumes  of  it  presently  got  into  his  head,  he  became  drunk,  and 
sat  with  his  legs  much  looser  about  me  than  usual.  I seized 
the  opportunity,  and  suddenly  threw  him  off.  He  fell  to  the 
ground  in  a state  of  insensibility,  and  with  a large  stone  I 
crushed  his  head  to  pieces. 

I rejoiced  exceedingly  at  my  deliverance,  and  regaining  the 
sea-coast,  I met  with  the  crew  of  a ship,  who  had  cast  anchor 
to  take  in  water.  From  them  I learned  that  my  late  situation 
had  been  more  dangerous  than  I had  thought  it.  “ You  fell,’^ 
said  they,  “ into  the  hands  of  the  Old  Man  of  the  Sea,  and  are 
the  only  one  that  ever  escaped  strangling  by  him  ; as  he  never 
left  any  he  had  once  mastered  till  their  strength  was  exhausted, 
when  he  failed  not  to  destroy  them.’^ 

The  captain  of  the  vessel  received  me  verj^  kindly,  and 
readily  gave  me  a passage  to  the  port  he  was  bound  to.  My 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  jj 

gooa  fortune  did  not  forsake  me.  When  we  landed  I was  per- 
mitted,  through  the  interest  of  the  captain,  to  join  a body  of 
adventurers  of  a singular  kind.  I had  a large  bag  given  me, 
and  was  advised  to  follow  the  example  of  my  companions,  and 
by  no  means  to  separate  from  them,  as  I valued  my  life. 

We  went  together  to  a neighboring  forest,  the  trees  of  which 
were  very  straight  and  tall,  and  so  smooth,  it  was  impossible 
for  any  man  to  climb  them.  As  we  drew  near,  we  saw  a great 
number  of  apes,  who  fled  from  us  and  climbed  the  trees  for 
safety.  We  pelted  the  apes  with  stones,  who  in  return  threw 
at  us  cocoa-nuts,  which  the  trees  bore  in  great  plenty ; and 
thus,  through  the  indignation  of  the  animals,  we  were  supplied 
with  those  valuable  fruits,  which  our  utmost  industry  could  not 
otherwise  have  obtained. 

By  diligently  following  this  avocation,  I soon  got  together 
a very  considerable  cargo  of  cocoa-nuts.  I sailed  with  these 
to  another  port,  where  I exchanged  them  for  pepper  and  aloes, 
and  after  sorhe  time  arrived  at  Balsora,  very  considerably  en- 
riched. 

To-morrow  (continued  Sindbad,  giving  the  porter  hh  *;us- 
tomary  present)  I will  relate  to  you  my  next  adventure. 


SINDBAD’S  SIXTH  VOYAGE. 

Some  time  after  my  arrival,  a few  merchants,  rny  veri  par- 
ticular friends,  agreed  on  a voyage ; and  they  mver  ci  ased 
importuning  me  till  I consented  to  go  with  them. 

For  some  time  we  had  pi  asant  weather.  We  sailed  many 
days  without  seeing  land,  but  having  a perfect  reli^mce  on  our 
captain,  we  were  without  uneasiness.  At  length  the  ship  was 
forced  along  by  a strong  current.  The  moment  the  captain 
perceived  it,  he  exclaimed,  “ We  are  all  lost  1 ” He  immedb 
ately  ordered  all  the  sails  to  be  set  a contrary  way,  but  in  vain ; 
the  ropes  broke  to  pieces.  The  ship,  in  spite  ot  our  utmost 
efforts,  continued  to  be  forced  on  by  the  current,  till  we  came 
to  the  foot  of  a mountain,  where  she  ran  ashore,  and  was  pres- 
ently beat  to  pieces. 

Most  of  the  crew  perished ; the  captain,  two  seamen,  and 
myself  only  escaped  : and  all  but  me  were  much  bruised.  The 
captain  told  us  that  all  hope  of  escape  from  that  place  was 
vain,  as  the  current  set  in  so  strongly  to  the  shore,  that  no  ves- 
sel could  possibly  sail  against  it.  This  discourse  oi  his  afflicted 
us  exceedingly ; and  indeed,  what  we  saw  too  Strongly  con- 


72 


ARABIAISr  mGHTS^  EArTERTAIArMEArTS. 


firmed  it.  The  whole  shore  was  covered  with  wrecks  of  ves- 
sels, and  with  the  bones  of  men  who  had  evidently  perished 
there  The  incredible  quantity  of  riches  with  which  the  strand 
was  covered,  only  served  to  aggravate  our  sorrows.  Whether 
it  was  from  this  melancholy  prospect,  or  from  the  bruises  they 
had  received,  I know  not ; but  the  next  day  the  two  sailors 
died,  and  the  day  following  the  captain  also  expired,  so  that  1 
was  left  alone  in  this  terrible  situation. 

But  I had  been  too  much  used  to  misfortunes  to  despair. 
I began,  therefore,  to  survey  the  shore,  and  to  cast  about  in 
my  mind  for  a possibility  of  relief.  On  examining  the  moun- 
tain, I soon  found  that  all  hope  of  climbing  it  was  in  vain,  for 
it  was  not  only  stupendously  high,  but  in  many  parts  absolutely 
perpendicular.  The  account  of  the  current  setting  in  every- 
where to  the  shore,  I found  also  to  be  true.  I had  almost 
given  up  every  hope,  when  I discovered  a rivulet  of  fresh  water, 
which,  instead  of  running  into  the  sea,  penetrated  the  bottom 
of  the  mountain.  To  this  place  I with  much  labor  brought 
pieces  of  the  wreck,  and  formed  a large  and  strong  float.  Hav- 
ing secured  this  properly,  I went  in  search  of  provisions.  I 
found  shell-fish  in  great  abundance  ; I conveyed  a large  quantit}? 
of  these  on  board  my  float,  resolving  to  trust  myself  on  it,  and 
take  the  chance  whither  the  current  might  convey  me.  Before 
I embarked,  I collected  great  quantities  of  diamonds,  rubies, 
emeralds,  and  ambergris ; these  I formed  into  bales,  and  fast- 
ened strongly  on  board  my  vessel,  and  cutting  the  cable,  com- 
mitted myself  to  fortune. 

The  stream  conveyed  me  into  a hollow  passage,  under  the 
mountain,  which  was  entirely  dark.  I sailed  many  days  in 
this  situation,  husbanding  my  shell-fish  with  great  care.  My 
food  was  at  last  exhausted  ; I grew  faint,  and  insensibly  fell 
into  a deep  sleep.  How  long  it  continued  I know  not,  but 
when  I awoke,  I found  my  float  drawn  on  shore,  and  myself 
surrounded  by  a great  number  of  negroes.  I arose,  and  saluted 
them ; they  spoke  to  me,  but  I could  not  understand  them ; 
yet  I was  so  transported  with  joy  that  I repeated  aloud  in 
Arabic,  “ Call  upon  the  Almighty,  and  he  will  help  thee  ; thou 
needest  not  perplex  thyself  in  trouble,  for  God  can  change  thy 
bad  fortune  into  good.’^ 

Happily  one  of  the  negroes  understood  Arabic ; from  him  I 
learned  that  my  float  having  been  discovered  in  the  river,  they 
had  drawn  it  on  shore  ; but  finding  me  fast  asleep,  they  had 
waited  till  I awoke.  He  then  requested  that  I would  tell  them 
by  what  accident  I came  into  such  a situation.  I related  my 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


73 


Story,  which  the  black  interpreted  to  them.  When  I had  fin- 
ished, they  desired  I would  suffer  them  to  conduct  me  to  the 
king,  that  I might  relate  so  extraordinary  an  adventure  to  him 
myself.  I cheerfully  consented,  on  which  they  furnished  me 
with  a horse,  and  while  some  of  them  attended  me,  others 
contrived  to  convey  my  float  and  cargo  after  me.  I was  very 
favorably  received  by  the  king,  and  thankfully  accepted  his 
invitation  of  reposing  some  time  in  his  court  to  recover  from 
my  fatigue.  During  this  time,  I made  a pilgrimage  to  the 
place  where  Adam  was  confined  after  his  banishment  from 
paradise. 

The  island  was  called  Serendib  ; it  is  exceedingly  pleasant 
and  fertile.  The  people  were  hospitable,  and  so  just  that  law- 
suits are  unknown  among  them.  The  magnificence  of  the 
palace,  and  the  splendor  of  their  prince,  when  he  appears  in 
public,  are  truly  admirable.  On  this  occasion,  the  king  has  a 
throne  fixed  on  the  back  of  an  elephant ; before  him  an  officer 
carries  a golden  lance  in  his  hand,  and  behind  the  throne  there 
is  another  who  supports  a column  of  gold  ; the  guard  amount 
to  a thousand  men,  all  clad  in  silk  and  cloth  of  gold.  While 
the  king  is  on  his  march,  the  officer  who  carries  the  lance, 
cries  out  occasionally,  “ Behold  the  great  monarch  ; the  potent 
and  redoubtable  sultan  of  the  Indies ; whose  palace  is  covered 
with  an  hundred  thousand  rubies,  and  who  possesses  twenty 
thousand  crowns,  enriched  with  diamonds  ; behold  the  crowned 
monarch  ; greater  than  the  greatest  of  princes  ! ’’  After  which 
the  officer  who  is  behind,  cries  out,  “ This  monarch,  so  great, 
so  powerful,  must  die,  must  die,  must  die  ! The  officer  who 
is  before  replies,  ‘‘  Praise  be  to  him  who  liveth  forever  ! ” 

After  I had  continued  some  time  in  the  capital,  I requested 
the  king’s  permission  to  return  to  my  own  country,  which  he 
immediately  granted  in  the  most  obliging  and  most  honorable 
manner.  He  forced  rne  to  accept  a very  rich  present ; and  at 
the  same  time  intrusted  to  my  care,  one  of  immense  value, 
which  he  directed  me  to  present  with  a letter,*  in  his  name,  to 
our  sovereign,  the  caliph  Haroun  Alraschid. 

Our  voyage  was  short  and  pleasant.  I had  the  honor  to 


* The  contents  of  the  king  of  Serendib’s  letter  were : The  king  of  the  Indies,  before 
whom  march  an  hundred  elephants,  who  lives  in  a palace  that  shines  with  an  hundred  thou- 
sand rubies,  and  who  has  in  his  treasury  twenty  thousand  crowns  enriched  with  diamonds  ; 
to  the  caliph  ^laroun  Alraschid. 

“ Though  the  present  we  send  you  be  inconsiderable,  receive  it,  however,  as  a brother 
and  a friend,  in  consideration  of  the  hearty  friendship  which  we  bear  you,  and  of  which  we 
are  willing  to  give  you  proof.  We  desire  the  same  part  in  your  friendship,  considering  that 
we  believe  it  to  be  our  merit,  being  of  the  same  dignity  with  yourself.  We  conjure  you  this 
in  quality  of  a brother.  Adieu.” 


74 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  EA^TERTAINMENTS. 


deliver  the  letter  and  present  of  the  king  of  Serendib  to  the 
Commander  of  the  Faithful ; after  which  1 retired  to  my  own 
dwelling,  rejoicing  with  my  friends,  to  whom  and  to  the  poor  I 
was  bountiful,  and  resolving  to  pass  the  rest  of  my  days  among 
them, 

Sindbad  presented  the  porter  as  before  with  a hundred  se- 
quins, and  desired  him  to  attend  the  day  following,  to  hear  an 
account  of  his  last  voyage. 


SINDBAD’S  SEVENTH  VOYAGE. 

I had  now  determined  to  go  no  more  to  sea.  My  wealth 
was  unbounded,  my  reputation  established,  my  curiosity  amply 
gratified,  and  my  years  began  to  require  rest  \ so  that  I thought 
only  of  enjoying  the  fruit  of  my  former  toils  and  dangers. 
But  the  caliph  sending  for  me,  told  me  he  had  resolved  to 
answer  the  letter  of  the  king  of  Serendib,  and  to  return  him  a 
present  of  equal  value  to  that  which  I had  brought  him,  and 
that  he  had  fixed  on  me  to  be  the  bearer  of  it. 

I wished  much  to  be  excused,  and  for  that  purpose  related 
to  the  caliph  the  many  perils  I had  been  in.  The  Commander 
of  the  Faithful  expressed  his  surprise  and  satisfaction  at  my 
narrative  j but  persisting  in  his  desire,  I cheerfully  prepared 
to  obey  his  commands. 

As  soon  as  the  caliph’s  letter  * and  present  were  ready,  1 
set  sail,  and  after  a safe  and  pleasant  voyage  I arrived  at  the 
island  of  Serendib,  and  discharged  my  commission.  The  king 
received  me  in  the  most  distinguished  manner,  and  expressed 
himself  much  pleased  with  the  caliph’s  friendship.  I stayed  a 
short  time  at  the  palace,  and  then  re-embarked  for  Balsora,  but 
had  not  the  good  fortune  to  arrive  there  as  I hoped.  Provi- 
dence ordered  it  otherwise. 

Within  three  days  of  our  departure,  we  fell  in  with  a corsair, 
who  took  us  captives,  and  carrying  us  into  port,  sold  us  all  for 
slaves.  I was  bought  by  a wealthy  merchant,  who  treated  me 
very  kindly.  He  inquired  if  I understood  the  use  of  the  bow, 
and  seemed  much  pleased  when  I told  him  it  had  been  one  of 
the  exercises  of  my  youth,  and  that  I had  always  delighted  in 
it.  He  gave  me  a bow  and  arrows,  and  carried  me  to  a vast 

* The  caliph’s  letter  was  as  follows ; “ Greeting,  in  the  name  of  the  Sovereign  Guide 
of  the  right  way,  to  the  patent  and  happy  sultan,  from  Abdallah  Haroun  Alraschid,  whom 
God  hath  set  in  the  place  of  honor,  after  his  ancestors  of  happy  memory.  ^ 

“We  received  your  letter  with  joy,  and  send  you  this  from  the  council  of  our  port,  the 
garden  of  superior  wits.  We  hope  when  you  look  upon  it,  you  will  find  our  good  intention, 
and  be  pleased  with  it.  Adieu.” 


AjRABIAIsr  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


75 


forest.  ‘‘  Climb  up/’  said  he,  “ one  of  these  trees.  This  forest 
abounds  with  elephants  ; as  they  come  within  bow-shot,  shoot 
at  them,  and  if  any  one  falls,  come  and  give  me  notice.” 

I continued  in  the  tree  all  night.  In  the  evening  I saw 
many  elephants,  and  shot  at  theni ; at  last  one  dropped.  I 
hastened  to  acquaint  my  patron  with  my  success,  who  com- 
mended my  dexterity,  and  caressed  me  very  much.  We  re- 
turned to  the  forest,  and  buried  the  elephant  in  the  earth  ; my 
patron  intending  to  take  away  the  teeth,  when  the  body  was 
decayed,  to  trade  with. 

For  two  months  I continued  to  kill  an  elephant  every  day, 
sometimes  from  one  tree,  sometimes  from  another.  One  morn- 
ing, while  I was  looking  out  for  them,  I perceived  they  did  not 
cross  the  forest  as  usual,  but  came  in  great  numbers  directly 
towards  the  tree  where  I was.  Their  approach  alarmed  me  so 
much  that  my  bow  and  arrows  fell  out  of  my  hand  ; and  my 
terror  greatly  increased  when  one  of  the  largest  of  them  wound 
his  trunk  round  the  body  of  the  tree  in  which  I was,  and  pulled 
so  strong  that  he  soon  tore  it  up  by  the  roots,  and  threw  it  on 
the  ground.  As  I was  falling  with  the  tree,  I gave  myself  up 
for  lost ; but  the  elephant,  when  I reached  the  earth,  took  me 
up  gently,  and  placed  me  on  his  back.  He  then  went  at  the 
head  of  his  companions  into  the  heart  of  the  forest,  when  stop- 
ping suddenly,  he  took  hold  of  me  with  his  trunk,  and  sat  me 
down  on  the  ground.  Immediately  he  and  all  his  companions 
retired  and  left  me. 

I had  been  so  extremely  agitated  during  these  transactions, 
that  it  was  a considerable  time  before  I recovered  the  use  of  my 
faculties.  When  I became  composed  enough  to  look  about  me, 
I found  I was  upon  a long  and  broad  hill,  covered  all  over 
with  the  bones  and  teeth  of  elephants.  I could  not  but  admire 
the  wonderful  instinct  of  these  sagacious  animals.  They  had 
perceived,  no  doubt,  that  we  buried^  such  of  their  companions 
as  we  killed,  and  afterwards  opened  the  earth,  and  took  away 
their  teeth  ; 1 concluded,  therefore,  that  they  had  conducted 
me  to  their  burial-place,  that  we  might  obtain  our  desires  without 
persecuting  them. 

I returned  to  the  city,  and  found  my  patron  in  great  trouble 
about  me.  I related  to  him  my  adventure,  which  he  would 
hardly  believe.  We  set  out  next  morning  lor  the  hill,  where  he 
soon  found  everything  I had  told  him  was  true.  We  took  away 
with  us  ivory  to  a great  value  ; and  on  our  return  to  the  city, 
my  patron  embraced  me,  and  said,  ‘‘  Brother,  God  give  you 
all  happiness  \ I declare  l^fore  him  that  I will  give  you  your 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


76 

liberty,  I will  not  hold  in  bondage  a moment  longer  the  man 
who  hath  so  greatly  enriched  me.” 

“ Know  now,”  continued  he,  “ the  perilous  service  you  have 
been  engaged  in^  We  buy  slaves  here  solely  for  the  purpose 
of  procuring  us  ivory  ; and  notwithstanding  all  our  care,  the 
elephants  every  year  kill  a great  many  of  them.  You  have 
been  preserved  most  marvellously  from  their  fury.  Think  not 
that  by  restoring  you  to  freedom,  I suppose  you  sufficiently  re- 
warded ; when  I procure  you  a vessel  to  convey  you  home,  you 
will  find  me  more  substantially  grateful.” 

Agreeably  to  this  promise,  my  patron  was  diligent  in  pro- 
viding me  with  a ship  ; and  having  met  with  one,  he  freighted  it 
with  ivory,  and  gave  me  both  the  vessel  and  cargo  ; we  parted 
with  mutual  expressions  of  regard,  and  in  a short  time  I returned 
home,  with  another  great  addition  to  my  fortune.  On  my  ar- 
rival at  Bagdad,  I waited  on  the  caliph,  and  related  my  adven- 
ture to  him,  which  he  heard  with  much  pleasure.  He  dismissed 
me  very  graciously,  and  I have  since  devoted  my  time  wholly 
to  my  family,  kindred,  and  friends. 

Sindbad  having  finished  the  relation  of  Lis  voyages,  ad- 
dressed himself  to  Hindbad  thus : ‘‘You  now  know  by  what 
means  I have  acquired  the  opulence  you  envied  me.  Say,  have 
I not  gained  it  though  dangers  more  than  equal  to  its  value  \ 
and  ought  I not  to  enjoy  myself  ? ” The  porter  modestly  owned 
the  truth  of  Sindbad’s  reasoning,  adding  due  praises  to  his  gene- 
rosity, and  prayers  for  his  future  welfare.  Sindbad  repeated  his 
present  of  a hundred  sequins.  His  liberality  had  raised  Hindbad 
from  his  penury,  and  finding  him  worthy  of  esteem,  the  gen- 
erous sailor  received  him  among  the  number  of  his  intimate 
acquaintances. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THREE  APPLES. 

In  one  of  those  evening  excursions,  which  the  caliph  Ha^ 
roun  Alraschid  frequently  made  about  his  capital  in  disguise, 
he  saw  a man,  with  some  nets  over  his  shoulder,  walking  slowly 
along.  Something  disconsolate  in  his  air  attracted  the  attention 
of  the  caliph,  who  asked  him  familiarly  why  he  was  so  sad. 
“ I am  a fisherman,”  replied  he,  “ and  am  just  landed  from  a 
day’s  severe  and  fruitless  toil.  My  sorrow  arises  from  my  dis- 
appointment, having  a large  family,  who  depend  upon  my  labor, 
which  to-day  hath  been  thrown  away.”  “ If  you  are  not  too 
much  fatigued,”  replied  the  caliph,  “ and  will  cast  your  nebs 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


77 


once  more,  I will  give  you  a hundred  sequins  for  the  haul, 
whether  successful  or  not/’  The  fisherman  heard  the  offer  of 
so  large  a reward  with  equal  joy  and  surprise,  and  readily  re- 
turned to  the  Tigris,  accompanied  by  the  caliph,  Giafar,  and 
Mesrour. 

The  fisherman  threw  in  his  nets,  and  brought  up  a trunk, 
close  shut  and  very  heavy.  The  caliph  ordered  the  vizier  to 
pay  him  the  hundred  sequins,  and  directed  Mesrour  to  convey 
the  trunk  to  the  palace,  whither  he  also  retired,  impatient  to  ex- 
amine the  contents  of  it ; which,  to  his  amazement,  he  found  to 
be  the  body  of  a beautiful  young  lady,  divided  into  quarters. 

The  wonder  of  the  caliph  soon  changed  into  fury  against 
his  vizier.  Wretch,”  said  he,  ‘‘is  it  thus  you  watch  over  the 
police  of  my  capital,  intrusted  to  your  peculiar  care  ? Are  such 
impious  murders  committed  with  impunity,  almost  in  our  pres- 
ence ? Bring  to  justice  within  three  days,”  continued  the  en- 
raged caliph,  “the  murderers  of  this  woman,  or  thou  and  forty 
of  thy  kindred  shall  die  by  the  hand  of  the  executioner.” 

The  consternation  of  the  vizier  was  extreme.  He  knew 
the  violent  temper  of  his  master  too  well  to  expect  any  good 
from  expostulation.  He  set  about  the  inquiry,  therefore,  with 
the  utmost  diligence ; he  took  the  assistance  of  all  the  officers 
of  justice  in  Bagdad.  The  search  was  rigid  and  universal,  but 
entirely  ineffectual ; not  the  least  information  being  obtained 
which  tended  to  a discovery. 

On  the  third  day  the  unfortunate  vizier  was  summoned  to 
appear  at  the  foot  of  the  throne  ; and  being  unable  to  produce 
the  offender,  the  enraged  caliph  ordered  him,  and  forty  of  the 
noble  family  of  the  Bermicides,  his  kindred,  to  be  hanged  up 
at  the  gate  of  the  palace.  A public  crier  proclaimed  through 
the  whole  city  the  caliph’s  harsh  decree,  the  cause  of  it,  and 
that  it  would  immediately  be  put  in  execution.  Gibbets  were 
erected  without  delay ; and  the  vizier,  with  his  relations,  were 
led  out  to  suffer,  amidst  the  tears  of  the  people,  to  whom  their 
virtues  had  endeared  them. 

At  the  instant  the  execution  was  about  to  take  place,  a 
young  man  of  good  address  pushed  forward,  and  calling  out  to 
the  officers  of  justice,  said,  “ I alone  am  the  criminal.  It  is  I,” 
said  he,  “who  committed  the  murder,  and  I only  ought  to 
suffer.” 

While  he  was  yet  speaking,  an  old  man  cried  out  to  the 
vizier,  “ O,  illustrious  Giafar,  believe  not  that  rash  young  man. 
I am  the  wretch  who  has  brought  you  and  your  friends  into  so 
much  danger.”  The  vizier,  though  rejoiced  at  his  own  escape, 


ARAB/AAT  JV/Gf/TS'  JSjVTERTA/JVMEJVTS. 


78 

pitied  these  unfortunate  men,  who  each  persisted  in  declaring 
his  own  guilt,  and  exculpating  the  other.  The  judge  criminal 
conducted  his  prisoners  and  the  two  men  before  the  caliph,  who, 
having  heard  his  report,  sullenly  dismissed  the  Bermicides,  or- 
dering Giafar  to  resume  his  office,  and  commanded  both  the 
men  to  be  hanged.  The  vizier,  notwithstanding  his  past  suffer- 
ings, humanely  interposed,  and  reasoned  with  his  master,  that 
they  both  could  not  be  guilty.  The  young  man  hearing  this, 
cried  out,  ‘‘  I swear  by  the  great  God  who  raised  the  heavens 
so  high,  that  I am  the  man  who  killed  the  lady,  cut  her  into 
quarters,  and  threw  her  into  the  Tigris  : I renounce  my  part  of 
happiness  among  the  just,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  if  what  I 
say  be  not  truth.’’  This  solemn  oath,  and^e  silence  of  the 
old  man,  convinced  the  caliph.  ‘‘  Wretch,”  said  he,  “ what 
could  induce  you  to  commit  so  horrid  a crime  ? What  madness 
impels  you  to  rush  upon  your  fate,  by  thus  audaciously  avowing 
it  ? ” “ Alas  I ” replied  the  young  man,  I do  not  wish  to  live  ; 

yet  I trust  if  your  majesty  will  deign  to  hear  me,  I shall  be 
found  more  unfortunate  than  criminal.”  The  curiosity  of  the 
caliph  was  excited ; he  ordered  the  young  man  to  relate  his 
story,  which  he  did,  in  these  words : 

“Commander  of  the  Faithful,  the  murdered  lady  was  my 
wife,  and  daughter  of  this  old  man,  who  is  my  uncle.  We 
passed  several  happy  years  together.  I have  three  children  by 
her,  and  our  affection  for  each  other  was  unbounded. 

“ A few  weeks  ago  my  wife  became  sick  r in  this  situation 
she  expressed  a great  desire  for  some  apples.  I immediately 
endeavored  to  procure  some  ; but  though  I offered  a sequin 
apiece,  I could  not  find  one  in  Bagdad.  On  the  contrary,  I 
learned  that  there  were  none  to  be  had  at  this  season  in  any 
place,  but  in  your  majesty’s  garden  at  Balsora. 

“ Being  very  desirous  to  gratify  my  wife,  I disregarded  the 
distance,  and  set  out  thither.  I purchased  three  apples  at  a 
great  price,  which  was  all  the  gardener  could  spare  me ; and 
returned  in  fifteen  days  to  Bagdad,  much  pleased  with  my  suc- 
cess. But  when  I came  home,  my  wife’s  desire  for  them  had 
passed  away.  She  accepted  them,  notwithstanding,  very  kindly, 
and  though  she  continued  sick,  she  did  not  cease  to  be  affec- 
tionate. 

“ Some  days  after,  as  I was  sitting  in  my  shop,  an  ugly,  tall, 
black  slave  came  into  it,  with  an  apple  in  his  hand.  My  heart 
sunk  when  I saw  it,  as  I was  convinced  there  was  not  one  in 
the  city  but  those  I had  brought  from  Balsora.  I asked  him 
hastily  how  he  came  by  it.  ‘ ’Tis  a present,’  replied  he,  smiling; 


ARABIAN-  A'lGHTS^  EA'TERTAINMENTS, 


79 

^from  my  mistress  : I have  just  been  to  visit  her,  and  on  taking 
leave,  she  gave  me  this  apple,  which  is  one  of  three  which  her 
kind  husband  has  been  as  far  as  Balsora  to  obtain  for  her/ 

“ I cannot  express  what  I felt  at  this  discourse.  I hastened 
home  immediately,  and  going  to  my  wife’s  chamber,  I saw  there 
were  only  two  apples  left.  I demanded  where  the  other  was. 
My  wife  answered  me  coldly,  ‘ I know  not  what  has  become  of 
it’  Transported  with  rage  and  jealousy,  I drew  my  dagger^ 
and  instantly  stabbed  her. 

When  I found  she  was  dead,  my  fury  gave  place  to  fear. 
Though  I did  not  regret  having  slain  her,  I dreaded  the  conse- 
quences of  the  act.  I divided  the  body  therefore  into  quarters, 
and  packed  them  in  a trunk,  which,  as  soon  as  it  was  dark,  I 
threw  into  the  river.  When  I returned  home,  I found  the  eldest 
of  my  children  sitting  at  my  gate,  crying ; on  my  asking  the 
reason,  ‘ Father,’  said  he,  ‘ I took  away  this  morning,  unknown 
to  my  mother,  one  of  the  apples  you  brought  her : as  I was 
playing  with  it,  a tall,  black  slave,  who  was  going  by,  snatched 
it  from  me  ; and  though  I told  him  how  far  you  had  been  to 
fetch  it  to  my  mother,  he  would  not  restore  it.  Do  not,  my 
dear  father,  tell  my  mother  of  it,  lest  she  should  grieve  and 
become  worse.’ 

“ My  son’s  discourse  overwhelmed  me  with  the  most  in- 
supportable  anguish.  I found  I had  been  betrayed  by  the  fatal 
lie  of  a vile  slave  into  an  enormous  crime.  At  this  juncture, 
my  uncle  arrived  to  pay  a visit  to  me  and  his  daughter.  I con- 
cealed nothing  from  him  ; and  the  good  old  man,  instead  of 
loading  me  with  reproaches,  admitted  my  apology,  and  joined 
with  me  in  lamenting  the  loss  we  had  both  sustained,  through 
my  rashness  and  the  villany  of  the  rascally  black.  We  were 
yet  mingling  our  tears,  when  we  heard  that  the  body  was  found, 
and  that  your  majesty’s  displeasure  was  raised  against  your 
faithful  vizier,  because  the  murderer  was  undiscovered.  I re- 
solved, therefore,  to  submit  myself  to  your  royal  justice,  the 
decree  of  which,  however  severe,  I shall  not  presume  to  mur- 
mur at.” 

The  story  of  the  unfortunate  young  man  excited  the  pity  of 
the  caliph ; and  his  indignation  was  turned  against  the  slave, 
who  had  been  the  cause  of  so  great  a calamity.  Nor  was  he 
yet  reconciled  to  the  conduct  of  the  vizier.  Dismissing,  there- 
fore, the  young  man,  he  turned  to  Giafar,  and  said,  “ Since  by 
your  negligence  such  an  enormity  passed  unnoticed,  till  acci- 
dent revealed  it,  I command  you  find  out  this  wicked  slave 
within  three  days,  or  I will  most  severely  punish  you.”  Giafar 


8o 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


withdrew  from  the  caliph’s  presence,  overcome  with  sorrow. 

How  is  it  possible,”  complained  he,  ‘‘  to  find  out  this  slave  in 
a city  where  there  are  such  a number  of  blacks  ? I will  not 
attempt  such  so  fruitless  an  inquiry,  but  will  resign  myself  to 
my  fate.” 

Accordingly,  instead  of  seeking  for  the  slave,  he  passed  the 
first  two  days  in  mourning  with  his  family ; on  the  third,  he 
prepared  to  present  himself  before  the  caliph.  Having  taken 
leave  of  his  friends,  the  nurses  brought  to  him  his  favorite 
daughter,  a child  of  about  five  years  of  age.  The  afflicted 
vizier  took  her  in  his  arms  to  salute  her,  when  perceiving  some- 
thing bulky  in  her  bosom,  asked  her  what  it  was  ? My  dear 
father,”  said  she,  ‘‘  it  is  an  apple,  which  I have  just  bought  of 
our  slave  Rahan,  for  two  sequins.” 

At  the  words  apple,  slave,  the  vizier  shouted  out  with  sur- 
prise and  joy.  He  caused  the  slave  to  be  immediately  seized, 
and  carried  before  the  caliph  ; to  whom  he  related  the  manner 
in  which  he  made  the  discovery.  The  caliph  was  much  pleased 
at  it,  and  embracing  Giafar,  declared  his  anger  towards  him  was 
at  an  end.  ‘‘  But  this  fellow,”  said  he,  turning  to  the  slave, 
“ shall  suffer  exemplary  punishment.”  The  black,  prostrating 
himself,  besought  mercy ; and  the  vizier,  finding  the  caliph  in 
some  measure  appeased,  ventured  to  intercede  for  him.  I 
remember,”  said  he,  ‘‘  a story  fully  as  extraordinary  as  this.” 
‘‘Relate  it  then,”  said  the  caliph,  “and  if  it  is  so,  I will  give 
to  your  slave  the  pardon  you  solicit  for  him.” 


THE  STORY  OF  NOUREDDIN  ALI  AND  BEDREDDIN 
HASSAN. 

There  was  a sultan  of  Egypt,  who  having  been  bred  up 
with  the  sons  of  his  father’s  vizier,  determined,  on  the  death  of 
the  old  minister,  to  confer  his  office  on  them  jointly.  The  eld- 
est was  called  Schemseddin  All,  the  younger,  Noureddin  Ali. 
They  were  both  men  of  abilities  ; but  the  younger  had  most 
virtue  and  good  nature  ; he  was  also  remarkably  handsome. 

They  conducted  the  public  business  very  ably  ; and  as  the 
sultan  was  very  fond  of  the  chase,  they  used  to  attend  him  in 
turn  on  his  hunting  parties,  which  often  lasted  several  weeks. 

One  evening,  as  they  were  talking  after  supper,  Schem- 
seddin proposed  that  they  should  marry  two  sisters,  of  their 
acquaintance.  Noureddin  agreed  ; and  the  conversation  was 
continued,  in  pleasantry,  as  to  what  might  arise  from  their  nup- 


ARABIA  AT  NIGHTS'  ENTER  TAINMENTS,  8 1 

tials.  “ If  I should  have  a daughter  and  you  a son/’  said 
Schemseddin,  ‘‘  we  will  give  them  in  marriage  to  each  other.’^ 
“ Agreed/’  replied  Noureddin  ; it  will  cement  our  union,  and 
continue  it  to  our  posterity.” 

The  discourse  was  carried  on  with  much  good-humor,  till 
the  eldest  brother  asked  the  younger,  what  jointure  he  pro- 
posed to  offer  ? Noureddin  replied,  laughing  ‘‘  Are  we  not 
brothers,  and  equals  in  rank  ? you  ought  to  think  of  a dowry 
for  your  daughter ; you  know  the  male  is  nobler  than  the  female.” 
“ How  ! ” replied  Schemseddin,  haughtily  ; ‘‘  a mischief  on 
your  son  ! do  you  prefer  him  to  my  daughter  ? I wonder  you 
dare  think  him  worthy  of  her.  Do  you  forget  I am  your  elder 
brother  ? Since  you  behave  so  ill,  I will  not  give  my  daughter 
to  your  son  on  any  terms  whatsoever.”  Altercation,  however 
trifling  the  subject,  often  excites  ill-will.  This  idle  quarrel  be- 
tween the  viziers  about  the  marriage  of  their  children,  before 
they  were  born,  was  carried  so  high,  that  Schemseddin  left  his 
brother  in  a rage,  vowing  revenge  for  the  insult  he  supposed  he 
had  received. 

Noureddin  acted  still  more  imprudently.  The  day  follow- 
ing, the  elder  vizieV  was  to  attend  the  sultan,  on  a hunt,  for  a 
month.  As  soon  as  the  court  departed,  Noureddin,  stung 
with  the  unkind  behavior  of  his  brother,  determined  to  aban- 
don him,  his  office,  and  his  country.  He  took  his  best  mule, 
and  bidding  adieu  to  Cairo,  he  arrived  some  weeks  after  at 
Balsora.  Accident  introduced  him  to  the  grand  vizier  of  that 
country.  His  virtues,  abilities,  and  good  address  merited  and 
obtained  for  him  general  esteem.  He  soon  became  son-in-law, 
and  afterwards  the  successor  of  the  vizier.  He  had  an  only 
son  whom  he  named  Bedreddin  Hassan,  who  was  remarkable 
for  his  singular  affection  for  his  father. 

It  so  fell  out,  that  about  the  time  Noureddin  married  the 
daughter  of  the  grand  vizier  of  Balsora,  his  brother  Schemsed- 
din also  married : and  that  his  wife  was  delivered  of  a daugh- 
ter on  the  same  day  that  Bedreddin  was  born. 

Bedreddin  had  just  reached  manhood,  when  Noureddin  was 
seized  with  a fatal  disease.  On  his  death-bed,  he  related  to 
his  son  the  cause  of  his  leaving  Egypt,  and  having  given  him 
his  pocket-book  wherein  all  things  respecting  his  whole  life 
were  circumstantially  recorded,  he  died  as  became  a good 
Mussulman. 

Bedreddin  was  so  afflicted  at  the  death  of  his  father,  that 
he  shut  himself  up  in  his  house,  and  for  a long  time  indulged 
himself  in  sorrow.  But  by  carrying  his  filial  piety  to  such  ex- 


82 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


cess,  he  drew  on  himself  a series  of  calamities.  As  he  wholly 
confined  himself  at  home,  and  was  not  seen  for  many  months 
at  the  court  of  the  sultan,  the  haughty  and  passionate  prince 
was  offended,  and  ordered  his  effects  to  be  seized,  and  himself 
brought  a prisoner  to  the  palace. 

A faithful  slave,  who  had  heard  the  orders  repeated  to  the 
officers  of  justice,  hastened  before  them  to  his  master,  and 
gave  him  notice  of  his  danger.  Thus  alarmed,  he  fled  from  his 
house  immediately,  without  stopping  to  take  the  least  supply 
of  money  or  other  necessaries.  He  determined  to  pass  the 
night  in  his  father’s  tomb,  which  was  a large  dome,  built  with- 
out the  city.  As  he  drew  near  it,  he  met  a rich  Jew,  who  was 
a merchant  of  reputation.  Isaac  congratulated  him  on  his  com- 
ing abroad,  and  agreed  with  him  for  the  cargo  of  the  ship  which 
was  daily  expected,  depositing  a thousand  sequins  to  bind  the 
bargain.  Bedreddin  rejoiced  at  receiving  a supply  as  unex- 
pected as  it  was  necessary.  Night  drawing  on,  he  entered  his 
father’s  tomb  ; where,  overcome  with  fatigue  and  sorrow,  he 
fell  asleep. 

It  happened  that  a genie  had  retired  to  this  tomb  in  the  day, 
and  was  preparing,  according  to  his  custom,  to  range  about  the 
world  during  night.  Being  much  pleased  with  the  gracefulness 
and  beauty  of  Bedreddin,  he  continued  some  time  in  the  tomb 
admiring  him  ; he  had  scarce  began  his  flight  through  the  air 
when  he  met  a fairy  of  his  acquaintance.  He  invited  her  with 
him  to  the  tomb,  where  they  agreed  in  admiring  the  beauty  of 
the  sleeping  Bedreddin. 

After  viewing  him  for  some  time,  ‘‘  Genie,”  said  the  fairy, 
“ this  young  man  is  indeed  remarkably  handsome ; but  I am 
just  come  from  Cairo,  where  there  is  a young  lady  still  more 
beautiful.  She  is  at  this  time  in  very  great  distress  ; and  it 
has  occurred  to  me,  that  you  and  I may  very  properly  relieve 
her.  I will,  therefore,  relate  to  you  the  particulars  of  her 
situation. 

‘‘  This  paragon  of  beauty  is  the  daughter  of  Schemseddin, 
vizier  to  the  sultan  of  Egypt.  Her  accomplishments  are  so  rare 
that  the  sultan,  who  lately  saw  her  by  accideiic  at  her  father’s 
house,  declared,  without  hesitation,  his  determin  ition  to  marry 
her ; but  the  vizier,  instead  of  receiving  the  honor  of  his  master’s 
alliance  with  joy,  begged  leave  to  decline  it.  The  haughty 
sultan,  in  revenge,  has  sought  out  the  meanest  and  most  de- 
formed of  his  slaves,  and  compelled  the  vizier  to  give  his  lovely 
daughter  to  him  in  marriage.  The  nuptial  ceremonies  are  now 
celebrating ; and  the  most  perfect  beauty  in  the  world  will,  this 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


S3 

night,  be  devoted  to  a base  groom,  hump-backed,  crooked,  and 
ugly  beyond  imagination,  unless  we  interpose  and  put  this 
young  man  in  his  place/^ 

“ Agreed,”  replied  the  genie  ; ‘‘  I will  convey  this  youth  to 
Cairo,  and  conduct  him  through  the  business  of  the  evening ; 
my  power  will  then  cease,  and  I must  leave  you  to  finish  the 
adventure.” 

Accordingly,  the  genie  lifted  up  Bedreddin  gently,  and  with 
inconceivable  swiftness  carried  him  through  the  air,  and  set 
him  down  at  the  door  of  the  bagnio,  whence  Hunchback  was 
to  come  with  a train  of  slaves.  Bedreddin  awakened  at  that 
moment ; and  seeing  such  a variety  of  strange  objects  around 
him,  was  about  to  cry  out,  when  the  genie  touched  him  on  the 
shoulder  and  forbade  him  to  speak.  Astonishment  now  tied 
up  his  tongue.  The  genie,  unseen,  related  to  him  in  a few 
words  for  what  purpose  he  was  brought  thither ; and  putting  a 
torch  in  his  hand,  ‘‘Join,”  said  he,  “the  bridal  train,  place 
yourself  at  the  right  hand  of  the  bridegroom,  and  when  you 
enter  the  hall,  distribute  the  sequins  you  have  in  your  bosom 
very  liberally  among  the  musician’s  and  dancers,  but  still  more 
bountiful  to  the  female  slaves  that  are  about  the  bride  ; nor  fear 
the  money  will  fail,  for  you  will  find  your  purse  continue  full. 
Preserve  a perfect  presence  of  mind  ; carry  everything  with  an 
air  of  authority ; and  leave  the  rest  to  a greater  power  who  will  ^ 
assist  you.” 

Bedreddin  obeyed  very  exactly  the  directions  of  his  invis- 
ible patron.  He  joined  the  throng,  entered  the  hall,  and  took 
the  place  of  the  bridegroom.  His  fine  figure  attracted  every 
eye,  and  his  generosity  gained  him  the  good  opinion  of  every 
attendant.  The  bride  was  no  less  struck  with  his  appearance  ; 
and  when,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Arabians,  she  came 
to  present  herself  to  her  husband  seven  times,  in  as  many 
different  splendid  habits,  she  passed  by  unnoticed  the  hateful 
Hunchback,  and  approached  the  agreeable  stranger  as  her 
bridegroom. 

The  usual  ceremonies  being  over,  the  bride  withdrew  to  her 
chamber,  attended  by  her  women.  The  company  and  attend- 
ants also  retired ; Bedreddin  only  remained  in  the  room  with 
Hunchback.  Ignorant  and  stupid  as  this  wretched  fellow  was, 
he  could  not  but  observe  that  Bedreddin  had  received  the  dis- 
tinctions due  to  the  husband  of  the  Beautiful  Lady  ; and  find- 
ing him  stay  when  every  one  else  had  withdrawn,  he  cried  out, 
in  an  angry  and  peremptory  tone,  for  him  to  be  gone. 

Bedreddin  had  no  pretence  to  loiter  any  longer ; he  there- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


84 

fore  withdrew.  But  before  he  reached  the  porch,  another  un- 
seen  instructor  stopped  him.  This  was  tire  fairy,  who  bade 
him  return  to  the  hall,  “ where,’’  continued  she,  ‘‘  you  will  no 
more  find  Hunchback,  but  the  bridesmaids  come  to  conduct 
the  bridegroom  to  his  bride.  Present  yourself  to  them  in  that 
character ; and  when  they  have  led  you  to  the  lady,  boldly  as- 
sure her  that  the  sultan  ne.ver  intended  to  sacrifice  so  much 
beauty  and  merit  to  that  base  slave,  but  meant  only  to  punish 
the  vizier  by  the  apprehension  of  such  disgrace.  Avow  your- 
self the  bridegroom  intended  for  her  ; she  will  gladly  listen  to 
you,  and  receive  you  accordingly.” 

Bedreddin  pursued  these  instructions.  He  found  the  Beau- 
tiful Lady  overcome  with  fear  and  grief,  expecting  with  abhor- 
rence the  frightful  groom.  Her  joy,  therefore,  was  immoder- 
ate when  she  saw  the  handsome  stranger  approach  and  declare 
himself  her  husband.  They  retired  to  the  bedroom,  where 
Bedreddin  pulled  off  his  turban  and  other  clothes,  and  went  to 
bed  in  his  shirt  and  drawers. 

In  the  interval,  the  genie  had  disposed  of  Hunchback. 
While  he  was  waiting  the  return  of  the  bridesmaids,  the  genie 
came  to  him  in  the  shape  of  a great  cat,  fearfully  mewing ; the 
fellow  clapped  his  hands  at  her  to  drive  her  away,  but  she 
stared  at  him  with  fierce  and  sparkling  eyes,  mewing  still  more, 
and  increasing  in  size,  till  she  became  as  big  as  a jackass,  and 
then  changing  into  a buffalo,  exclaimed  : “ Thou  hunchback 
villain,  how  hast  thou  dared  to  marry  my  mistress  ? ” Hunch- 
back, terrified  beyond  measure,  began  to  mutter  some  excuse, 
when  the  genie  took  him  by  the  legs,  and  setting  him  against  the 
wall  with  his  head  downward,  enjoined  him  not  to  speak  a word, 
or  move  from  that  posture  till  sunrise,  as  he  valued  his  life. 

In  the  morning  at  daybreak,  the  fairy  took  up  Bedreddin, 
and  conveyed  him,  in  his  shirt  and  drawers,  to  the  gates  of 
Damasciks,  where  she  laid  him  down,  still  asleep.  Soon  after, 
the  people  began  to  gather  about  him  ; all  admired  the  beauty 
of  his  person,  while  some  with  scoffs,  and  others  with  concern, 
expressed  their  wonder  at  finding  him  lying  almost  naked  on 
the  ground. 

Their  noise  awakened  him,  and  on  his  starting  up,  he  was 
surprised  to  find  himself  surrounded  by  a crowd,  at  the  gate  of 
a city.  He  inquired  where  he  was,  and  was  astonished  when 
told  he  was  at  the  gates  of  Damascus.  “ Sure,  you  mock  me,” 
said  he  ; ‘‘  when  I laid  down  to  sleep,  I was  at  Cairo.”  The 
bystanders  laughing  still  more,  he  increased  their  vociferous  rid- 
icule by  declaring  he  had  passed  the  preceding  day  at  Balsora. 


ARABIAJ\r  NIGHTS^  EJVTERTAIN'MENTS, 


ss 

These  apparent  absurdities  made  the  people  suppose  him 
mad.  A great  concourse  gathered  round  him,  and  followed  him 
into  the  city  ; some  sneering  at  him,  others  pitying.  At  length, 
one  of  the  crowd  took  him  into  his  protection.  This  man  had 
formerly  been  a captain  of  banditti,  but  was  now  become  a 
pastry-cook  in  Damascus  ; where,  though  he  behaved  well, 
everybody  stood  in  awe  of  him.  He  dispersed  the  crowd,  and 
taking  Bedreddin  home,  he  furnished  him  with  clothes  and  re- 
freshments. 

To  this  kind  protector  the  unfortunate  young  man  repeated 
his  story  in  private,  requesting  afterward  his  advice.  “ There 
are,”  replied  the  pastry-cook,  “ some  things  so  incredible  in 
your  narrative,  that,  though  my  good  opinion  of  you  inclines 
me  to  believe  it,  few  others  will.  At  any  rate,  you  cannot  safely 
return  either  to  Balsora  or  Cairo.  Be  content,  therefore,  for  a 
time,  to  forget  your  birth,  and  take  refuge  in  my  house.  I will 
adopt  you  for  my  son  ; no  one  then  will  dare  to  insult  you  ; and 
you  may  continue  with  me  in  perfect  security,  till  some  fortu- 
nate event  shall  restore  you  to  your  dignity.”  Bedreddin  re- 
luctantly consented.  He  was  legally  adopted  by  the  pastry- 
cook, who  taught  him  his  trade,  and  at  his  death  left  him  his 
heir.  The  son  of  the  vizier,  for  some  years,  earned  a scanty 
maintenance  by  pursuing  this  humble  employment. 

At  Cairo,  all  these  events  produced  very  serious  embarrass- 
ments. When  the  daughter  of  Schemseddin  awoke  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  missed  her  husband,  she  supposed  he  had  risen  softly, 
for  fear  of  disturbing  her.  She  arose,  also,  and  presently  her 
father  came  to  visit  her.  Schemseddin  expected  to  find  his 
daughter  in  the  deepest  sorrow  ; but  as  she  received  him  in  a 
manner  expressive  of  satisfaction,  he  could  not  restrain  himself 
from  reproaching  her.  Is  it  thus  you  receive  me,  wretched 
girl,”  exclaimed  he,  “ after  having  been  prostituted  to  the  em- 
braces of  a vile  groom “ How,  my  father,”  replied  she, 
are  you  yet  in  ignorance  respecting  my  marriage  1 The  sultan 
was  too  just  to  sacrifice  me  to  the  horrid  Hunchback  ; he  sent 
a most  amiable  youth  for  my  husband,  who  cannot  be  far  off, 
as  his  clothes  are  here.” 

The  vizier  withdrew  in  haste,  to  seek  his  unknown  son-in- 
law. The  first  object  he  saw  was  Hunchback,  remaining  in  the 
posture  he  was  placed  in  by  the  genie.  He  spoke  to  him,  but 
received  no  answer ; he  therefore  put  down  his  legs  and  raised 
him  up.  As  soon  as  the  groom  felt  his  feet,  he  ran  to  the  palace 
without  thanking  his  deliverer,  determined  to  complain  to  the 
sultan  of  the  mortifications  he  had  received. 


ARABIAJ\r  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


The  vizier  inquired  in  vain  for  the  bridegroom  ; he  returned 
therefore,  to  his  daughter’s  bedchamber,  and  examining  the 
clothes  and  turban  of  his  son-in-law  with  much  attention,  he 
found  the  pocket-book  which  Noureddin  Ali  had  given  to  his 
son  on  his  death-bed.  Schemseddin  instantly  knew  his  brother’s 
handwriting ; and  seeing  the  superscription  of  the  book,  “ For 
my  son,  Bedreddin  Hassan,”  he  gave  a shout,  and  swooned 
away. 

On  his  recovery,  he  said,  “ Daughter,  be  not  alarmed  at  this 
accident ; your  bridegroom  is  your  cousin,  the  son  of  my  brother, 
Noureddin  Ali,  the  cause  of  whose  leaving  Cairo  you  have  often 
heard  me  deplore ; a wonderful  providence  has  now  united  you 
to  his  son.”  In  the  book,  all  the  circumstances  of  their  disagree- 
ment were  related  by  Noureddin ; the  purse  also,  with  the 
Jew’s  memorandum  in  it,  was  found,  relating  the  bargain  he 
had  made  with  Bedreddin  at  the  time  he  paid  him  that  money  j 
so  that  there  remained  no  possibility  of  doubt  that  the  husband 
of  the  Beautiful  Lady  was  really  her  father’s  nephew. 

Schemseddin  took  the  pocket-book  and  purse,  and  requested 
an  audience  of  his  master.  The  affronted  prince  still  retained 
his  anger  against  his  vizier ; and  Hunchback  being  about  to 
relate  what  had  befallen  him,  the  sultan  ordered  his  minister 
admission,  with  an  intent  to  mortify  him.  When  the  groom 
had  finished  his  account,  the  prince  demanded,  with  an  air  of 
indignation,  an  explanation  of  this  new  insult.  Schemseddin 
besought  his  master’s  patient  hearing : he  then  related  his  con- 
versation and  quarrel  with  Noureddin,  and  producing  the  purse 
and  the  pocket-book,  showed  that  the  contract  made  by  him 
and  his  brother  had  been  completed. 

The  first  transports  of  the  sultan’s  fury  had  subsided ; he 
was  now  more  calm.  He  examined  the  vouchers,  and  heard  the 
account  of  Hunchback  as  well  as  the  vizier ; he  then  began  to 
think  there  must  be  some  supernatural  interposition  in  the  affair, 
which  it  did  not  become  him  to  oppose.  He  dismissed  the 
groom,  and  became  reconciled  to  his  minister ; and  having  in 
vain  caused  a most  diligent  search  to  be  made  for  Bedreddin, 
he  caused  a relation  of  the  adventure  to  be  registered  among 
the  archives  of  his  kingdom. 

Nine  months  after  these  events,  the  Beautiful  Lady  was  de- 
livered of  a son,  to  whom  the  vizier  gave  the  name  of  Agib,  or 
wonderful. 

When  little  Agib  became  of  a proper  age  to  receive  instruc- 
tion, the  vizier  sent  him  to  school  where  the  sons  of  the  prin- 
cipal people  were  educated.  Agib  inherited  the  beauty  of  his 


ARABIAN  : IGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


87 

parents,  and  thence,  as  well  as  out  of  respect  to  his  grandfather, 
was  treated  with  great  indulgence.  His  faults  were  suhered 
to  pass  unnoticed  ; even  his  whims  were  gratified.  This  absurd 
complaisance  of  course  spoiled  the  boy ; he  became  insolent 
and  overbearing ; he  hardly  behaved  with  decency  to  his  master  ; 
but  his  schoolmates,  every  one  in  turn,  were  treated  with  con- 
tempt or  outrage,  as  occasion  arose  to  offend  him,  till  at  length 
he  became  heartily  hated  by  them  all. 

The  master  saw  this  behavior  with  concern,  and  determined 
to  humble  him.  By  his  instruction,  when  all  the  scholars  were 
together  at  play,  one  of  them  cried  out,  “ Before  we  choose  our 
sport,  let  us  agree  that  every  one  shall  tell  the  names  of  his 
father  and  mother,  and  whoever  cannot  do  that,  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  a bastard,  and  not  suffered  to  play  with  us.’^  All 
agreed  to  this,  and  Agib  among  the  rest.  The  others  answered 
readily  to  the  proposer  who  examined  them  ; and  when  he  came 
to  Agib,  he  replied,  ‘‘  My  mother  is  called  the  Lady  of  Beauty, 
and  my  father  is  Schemseddin,  vizier  to  the  sultan.’^ 

‘‘  Not  so,’^  replied  the  examiner  ; “ Schemseddin  is  not  your 
father,  but  your  grandfather.’’  ‘‘  How,”  cried  Agib,  in  a rage, 
‘‘dare  you  say  that  Schemseddin  is  not  my  father?”  “No, 
no,”  said  they  all,  laughing,  “ he  is  not  your  father  ; and  until 
you  can  tell  us  who  he  is,  we  will  not  let  you  play  with  us.” 
They  then  left  him,  with  scoffing  and  derision.  Agib  hastened 
to  the  master  with  complaints,  but  was  still  more  mortified  when 
he  confirmed  the  sarcasm  of  his  school-fellows,  and  advised  him, 
on  that  account,  to  behave  to  them  with  less  haughtiness  for  the 
future. 

The  saucy  spirit  of  the  proud  boy  could  not  brook  this.  He 
fled  home  to  his  mother,  and  for  a time  was  unable  to  speak  to 
her  from  passion.  When  he  had  ^plained  to  her  the  cause  of 
his  agitation,  she  mingled  her  tears  with  his,  overcome  with 
affliction  for  the  loss  of  his  fathej.  At  this  juncture,  the  vizier 
chanced  to  pay  his  daughter  a visit,  and  being  told  the  cause  of 
their  grief,  he  shared  it  with  them.  Nor  was  this  sorrow,  thus 
accidentally  revived,  without  material  effect.  The  vizier  deter- 
mined to  go  himself  to  Balsora,  in  search  of  his  nephew  ; and 
having  obtained  the  sultan’s  permission,  he  set  out  with  a 
splendid  retinue,  accompanied  by  the  Beautiful  Lady  and  his 
grandson. 

After  a journey  of  twenty  days,  they  drew  near  Damascus. 
The  face  of  the  country  being  very  beautiful,  Schemseddin  de- 
termined to  rest  there  two  or  three  days.  To  avoid  the  fatigue 
and  ceremony  of  visiting  the  governor,  he  caused  his  tents  to 


88 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


be  pitched  at  a short  distance  from  the  city.  While  the  vizier 
reposed,  his  attendants  went,  a few  at  a time,  to  view  Damascus. 
Their  reports  excited  the  curiosity  of  Agib,  which  Schemseddin 
permitted  him  to  indulge,  under  the  care  of  Schaban,  chief  of 
the  black  eunuchs. 

The  handsome  features  and  graceful  demeanor  of  the  boy 
drew  every  one’s  attention ; and  before  he  had  proceeded  far 
in  the  city,  so  many  people  followed  to  admire  him,  that  the 
crowd  became  troublesome.  At  this  instant  they  came  to  the 
shop  where  Bedreddin  carried  on  the  humble  occupation  of  a 
pastry-cook ; his  attention  being  excited  by  the  crowd,  he  went 
to  the  door,  when  the  sight  of  Agib  affected  him  unaccount- 
ably. The  force  of  nature  impelled  this  tender  father,  un- 
known to  himself  ; he  entreated  the  child,  with  tears  in  his  eyes, 
and  uncommon  earnestness,  to  enter  his  shop,  and  accept  of 
some  of  his  pastry.  Little  Agib  was  moved  with  his  behavior, 
and  signified  his  desire  to  comply.  The  eunuch  at  first  opposed 
this,  as  an  unbecoming  condescension  ; but  the  entreaties  of 
Bedreddin,  and  the  annoyance  of  the  crowd,  induced  him  at 
last  to  consent. 

Bedreddin  received  them  with  great  joy ; and  taking  a 
cream-tart  out  of  the  oven,  he  strewed  it  with  pomegranate 
kernels  and  sugar,  and  set  it  before  them.  Agib  and  the 
eunuch  ate  of  the  tart,  and  praised  it  exceedingly.  While  Bed- 
reddin gazed  on  the  child  with  inexpressible  tenderness,  a 
thought  arose,  that  possibly  he  might  be  the  father  of  such  a 
child,  by  the  charming  wife  from  whom  he  was  so  cruelly  separ- 
ated. This  idea  increased  his  concern ; he  could  not  restrain 
his  tears,  and  began  to  ask  the  child  a variety  of  questions 
with  so  much  emotion,  that  the  eunuch  became  alarmed  at  his 
behavior.  As  soon  as  Agib  had  done  eating,  and  the  crowd 
were  dispersed,  Schaban  led  him  away,  and  returned  immedi- 
ately to  the  tents. 

Bedreddin,  listening  to  the  impulse  within  him,  followed 
them.  When  they  drew  near  the  camp,  Schaban,  turning 
round,  saw  him,  and  became  exceedingly  frightened,  lest  the 
vizier  should  know  he  had  permitted  Agib  to  enter  a common 
shop.  He  mentioned  these  apprehensions  to  the  child,  who, 
giving  w'ay  to  his  usual  insolence,  caught  up  a stone,  which  he 
threw  at  Bedreddin,  and  hurt  him  severely.  The  unfortunate 
pastry-cook,  wounded  by  a child  he  felt  so  much  fondness  for, 
and  threatened  by  the  eunuch,  gave  up  a pursuit  which  he  had 
no  decisive  purpose  in  beginning,  and  returned  to  his  habita- 
tion, afflicted  and  disconsolate; 


ARAB lAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


h 

The  day  following,  Schemseddin  proceeded  on  his  journey 
to  Balsora.  He  soon  found  out  the  widow  of  Noureddirr  Ali,  but 
his  inquiries  after  Bedreddin  Ali  were  unsuccessful ; the  vizier, 
therefore,  after  a short  stay,  gave  up  all  hope,  and  prepared  to 
return  to  Cairo.  As  a mutual  esteem  had  taken  place  between 
the  Lady  of  Beauty  and  the  widow  of  Noureddin  Ali,  the  vizier 
prevailed  with  her  to  accompany  them.  When  they  reached 
Damascus,  the  whole  retinue  pitched  their  tents  as  before,  to 
enjoy  a few  days’  rest,  before  they  continued  their  journey. 

While  they  remained  there,  Agib  recollected  the  pastry-cook 
whom  he  had  used  so  roughly,  and  requested  Schaban  to  go 
into  the  city  with  him,  to  see  him  again.  They  found  him  still 
employed  in  making  tarts  ; and  Bedreddin,  notwithstanding  the 
ill  treatment  he  had  received,  felt  the  same  emotions  of  tender- 
ness for  Agib.  He  ran  to  him,  and  would  have  embraced  him, 
but  the  boy  pushed  him  aside  ; yet  Bedreddin  pressed  him  to 
enter  his  shop.  Agib  replied,  ‘‘  There  is  an  excess  in  the  kind- 
ness you  express ; unless  you  will  promise  not  to  follow  me 
when  we  go  from  hence,  I will  not  enter  your  house  ; but  if  you 
make  and  observe  this  promise,  I will  visit  you  again  to-mor- 
row.’’ Bedreddin  consented,  and  Agib  with  Schaban  went  in, 
and  were  plentifully  supplied  with  cream-tarts,  which  they  ate 
with  mucli  satisfaction. 

Evening  drawing  on,  Agib  and  his  governor  took  leave  of 
their  friendly  pastry-cook,  and  returned  to  the  tents.  The 
widow  of  Noureddin,  who  had  become  passionately  fond  of  her 
grandson,  received  him  with  great  affection  ; and  as  it  was  sup- 
per-time, she  took  him  into  her  tent,  and  set  before  him  a cream- 
tart,  which  she  had  just  been  making.  Agib  tasted  it,  but  as 
he  had  eaten  so  lately,  he  left  it  almost  whole ; on  which  his 
grandmother  said  to  him,  ‘‘  Does  my  child  despise  the  work  of 
my  hands  ? Know,”  continued  she,  there  is  no  one  in  the 
world  can  make  such  a cream-tart,  besides  myself  and  your 
father  Bedreddin  Hassan,  whom  I myself  taught  to  make  them.” 

Excuse  me,  madam,”  replied  Agib,  there  is  a pastry-cook  in 
Damascus  who  makes  much  better ; we  have  just  come  from 
eating  some  of  his,  which  are  inimitable.” 

The  lady,  hearing  this,  became  incensed  against  Schaban 
for  presuming  to  suffer  her  grandchild  to  eat  in  a pastry-cook’s 
shop  like  a beggar.  She  reported  the  matter  immediately  to 
Schemseddin,  who,  still  more  enraged,  sent  for  the  eunuch,  and 
demanded  how  he  dared  be  guilty  of  so  heinous  an  offence  ? 
Schaban  stiffly  denied  the  charge  ; but  the  child  averring  it  to 
be  true,  the  vizier  ordered  the  eunuch  to  eat  the  tart  which  Agib 


90 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


had  refused  ; this  he  pretended  to  do  readily,  but  was  obliged 
to  leave  off  when  he  had  swallowed  a mouthful  or  two.  The 
vizier,  convinced  of  his  guilt,  ordered  him  the  bastinado,  when 
he  confessed  the  truth,  and  added,  that  the  tart  was  much 
better  than  that  made  by  the  lady. 

The  widow  of  Noureddin  Ali  felt  herself  piqued.  She  sent 
immediately  for  one  of  tiiose  tarts,  which,  when  she  had  tasted, 
tihe  cried  out,  It  must  be  my  son,  my  dear  Bedreddin,  who 
made  this  tart.  I make  them  in  a peculiar  manner,  which  I 
never  taught  to  any  one  but  him  ; and  as  this  is  so  made,  I have 
no  doubt  but  he  was  the  maker  of  it.” 

Schemseddin  received  this  account  with  the  highest  satisfac- 
tion ; yet  fearful  of  a disappointment,  he  requested  the  ladies  to 
restrain  their  impatience,  and  leave  the  management  of  the 
affair  to  him.  I will  contrive  to  bring  the  pastry-cook  hither,” 
continued  he,  and  you  will,  no  doubt,  recognize  him,  if  it  is 
really  Bedreddin  ; but  even  if  it  is  so,  I will  by  no  means  intro- 
duce him  to  you,  till  we  arrive  at  Cairo.”  The  ladies  at  first 
demurred,  but  the  vizier  assuring  them  he  had  good  reason  for 
this  resolution,  they  acquiesced. 

Early  in  the  morning,  Schemseddin  applied  to  the  governor 
of  the  city  for  leave  to  carry  his  scheme  into  execution,  ac- 
quainting him  at  the  same  time  with  the  motives  of  his  conduct. 
The  governor  readily  agreed ; when  Schemseddin  detached 
fifty  of  his  attendants,  properly  instructed,  to  the  shop  of  his 
son-in-law.  As  soon  as  these  men  arrived  there,  they  began  to 
break  in  pieces  the  plates,  tables,  and  pans,  with  the  utmost 
violence.  The  astonished  Bedreddin  cried  out  to  know  the 
reason  of  such  ill  treatment.  Was  it  not  you,”  said  one  of 
them,  who  sold  us  a cream-tart  last  night  ? ” ‘‘  Yes,”  replied 

the  pastry-cook,  and  I am  sure  no  one  could  have  sold  you  a 
better.”  At  these  words  the  men  renewed  their  outrages,  and 
having  destroyed  everything  they  could  find,  seized  Bedreddin, 
bound  him,  and  led  him  away  prisoner.  His  neighbors  would 
have  interposed  in  his  behalf,  but  at  the  instant  some  of  the 
governor’s  officers  arrived,  and  dispersed  them  ; so  that  the 
unfortunate  pastry-cook,  notwithstanding  his  cries  and  tears, 
was  carried  off. 

When  they  returned  to  the  tents,  they  produced  their  pris- 
oner to  the  vizier,  who,  affecting  much  anger,  said,  ‘‘Wretch, 
was  it  not  you  who  made  the  cream-tart  which  was  brought  me 
last  night  ? ” “ I own  I am  the  man,”  repliecf^edreddin.  It 

shall  cost  you  your  life,  then,”  said  the  vizier,  “ for  daring  to 
send  me  so  bad  a tart.”  “ Alas  1 ” replied  the  pnsoow:.,  “ how 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


9^ 

long  has  it  been  a capital  offence  to  make  indifferent  pastry  ? 
yet  I am  sure  the  tart  was  as  good  as  could  be  made.” 

During  this  discourse,  the  ladies,  who  were  concealed,  had 
a full  view  of  Bedreddin,  and  instantly  knew  him,  notwithstand- 
ing his  long  absence.  They  were  so  transported  with  joy,  that 
it  was  with  difficulty  they  could  restrain  themselves  from  run- 
ding  into  the  tent  and  embracing  him  ; but  their  promise  to  the 
vizier  obliged  them  to  subdue  those  tender  emotions  of  love 
and  of  nature. 

Schemseddin  having  so  unexpectedly  succeeded  in  his  in 
teresting  inquiry,  set  out  without  delay  for  Cairo,  carrying  Bed 
reddin  with  him  as  a prisoner.  When  he  arrived  at  his  palace- 
he  caused  his  nephew  to  be  brought  before  him,  and  gave  orders 
to  a carpenter,  in  his  presence,  to  prepare  a stake  to  nail  him 
to.  Alas  1 sir,”  exclaimed  the  prisoner,  what  have  I done  to 
deserve  so  severe  a punishment?”  ‘‘Villain,”  replied  the 
vizier,  “ did  you  not  send  me  a cream-tart  without  any  pepper 
in  it  ? ” “ Is  that  the  reason,”  exclaimed  Bedreddin,  “ that  I 

have  been  treated  so  severely  ; have  my  goods  been  destroyed, 
myself  made  a prisoner,  and  led  away  many  days’  journey  from 
my  home  ; am  I now  to  be  put  to  a cruel  death  ; and  all  this 
for  not  putting  pepper  into  a cream-tart  ? Are  these  the  actions 
of  Musulmans,  of  persons  professing  probity  and  justice  ? Never 
was  man  used  so  barbarously.  Cursed  be  all  cream-tarts,  and 
the  hour  in  which  I learned  to  make  them.”  “ It  is  now  night,” 
said  the  vizier : “ I will  not  put  him  to  death  till  to-morrow, 
when  I will  make  him  an  example  to  all  base  pastry-cooks.” 
Saying  this,  he  made  signs  to  his  attendants,  who  led  the  pris- 
oner away  to  an  apartment  provided  for  him. 

At  the  time  of  his  daughter’s  marriage,  after  the  bridegroom 
had  been  so  marvellously  taken  away,  Schemseddin  had  not 
only  secured  the  clothes  of  his  son-in-law,  but  had  taken  an  ac- 
count of  the  situation  of  everything  in  the  bridal  apartments. 
To  this  he  now  referred,  and  caused  them  to  be  fitted  up, 
exactly  as  they  were  on  that  night.  The  bridal  throne  was 
erected,  the  numerous  wax  lights  lit  up,  and  Bedreddin’s  clothes, 
turban,  and  purse  of  sequins,  were  disposed  as  he  had  then 
placed  them.  These  matters  being  adjusted,  the  vizier  instructed 
his  daughter  in  what  manner  he  would  have  her  receive  her 
husband,  when  he  entered  her  chamber  j and  then  dismissed 
her  to  retire  thither. 

Bedreddin,  though  overwhelmed  with  grief,  being  exceed- 
ingly fatigued,  had  undressed  himself  and  gone  to  bed  ; where 
be  soon  fell  into  a sound  sleep.  In  this  state  the  vizier’s  ser- 


92 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


vants  conveyed  him  to  the  bridal  hall,  where  they  set  him  down 
and  withdrew,  except  one,  who  continued  shaking  him  till  he 
was  awakened,  when  he  also  retired  suddenly.  Bedreddin 
looked  about  him  with  astonishment.  He  remembered  dis* 
tinctly  the  hall.  He  approached  the  chamber,  and  sa\u  his 
clothes  as  he  had  left  them  on  the  wedding-night.  He  rubbed 
his  eyes  and  exclaimed,  “ Good  heavens  ! am  I awake  or  not  ? ^ 

At  this  moment  the  Lady  of  Beauty,  who  had  observed 
his  embarrassment,  opened  the  curtains  and  said,  “ My  deal 
lord,  will  you  not  return  to  bed  again  ? Why  do  you  stay  a/ 
the  door  ? ’’  Bedreddin  on  this  entered  the  chamber,  and  per 
ceived  the  lady  who  spoke  to  him  was  the  same  charming 
woman  who  had  accepted  him  for  her  husband.  His  heart 
leaped  for  joy  at  the  discovery ; yet  recollecting  all  that  had 
befallen  him  during  the  last  ten  years,  he  was  silent.  After 
pausing  a while,  he  examined  his  clothes  and  purse,  which  he 
knew  immediately  ; his  astonishment  redoubled.  At  last,  going 
up  to  the  lady,  “ Madam,”  said  he,  “ how  long  it  is  since  I left 
you  ? ” ‘‘  Did  you  not  rise  from  me  just  now  ? ” replied  she, 

‘‘  surely  your  thoughts  are  very  busy ! ” My  thoughts,”  said 
Bedreddin,  “ are  not  very  easy.  I remember,  indeed,  to  have 
been  married  to  you ; but  since  then  I have  lived  ten  years  at 
Damascus ; I found  myself  almost  naked  at  the  gate  of  that 
city,  and  being  insulted  by  the  mob,  I fled  to  a pastry-cook, 
who  adopted  me,  taught  me  his  trade,  and  made  me  his  heir. 
I have  passed  through  a variety  of  adventures,  and  have  return- 
ed here  in  good  time,  as  they  were  just  going  to  nail  me  to  a 
stake.”  Alas  ! for  what  enormous  crime,”  replied  the  lady, 
‘‘were  you  to  be  treated  so  severely?”  “For  no  crime,”  said 
Bedreddin  ; “ I had  my  goods  destroyed,  myself  taken  prisoner, 
and  was  at  last  threatened  with  this  terrible  death,  for  selling  a 
bad  tart.”  “You  have  indeed  awoke  in  good  time,”  said  the 
Beautiful  Lady;  “they  surely  did  you  great  injustice;  but 
return  to  your  bed,-  and  try  if  you  cannot  dream  more 
pleasantly.” 

Though  Bedreddin  rejoiced  exceedingly  at  finding  again  his 
lovely  bride,  yet  he  could  not  compose  himself  to  rest.  The 
recollection  of  what  he  had  passed  through  for  so  many  years, 
was  too  strong  to  be  overcome  by  the  idea  of  its  having  been  a 
dream.  On  the  other  hand,  as  often  as  he  withdrew  the  cur- 
tainsj  and  looked  about  the  room,  he  was  convinced  that  he 
was  in  the  bridal  chamber.  He  had  not  yet  recovered  his  per- 
plexity, when  the  morning  appeared  ; and  shortly  after  Schem- 
seddin  entered  the  apartment,  and  bade  him  and  the  Lady  of 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


95 


Beauty  good-morrow.  At  the  sight  of  a man  whom  he  lately 
beheld  with  so  much  terror,  Bedreddin  was  much  moved,  and 
it  convinced  him  that  his  adventures  had  not  existed  in  imag- 
ination  only.  “Ah!’’  exclaimed  he  to  Schemseddin,  “ it  was 
you  who  condemned  me  so  unjustly  to  a death  I yet  shudder 
to  think  of,  for  making  a cream-tart  without  pepper.” 

The  vizier  ran  to  him  and  embraced  him,  laughing  ; he  then 
related  to  him  those  circumstances  with  which  Bedreddin  was 
acquainted  ; he  introduced  him  to  the  widow  of  Noureddin  Ali, 
and  little  Agib,  who  no  longer  fled  from  the  caresses  of  his 
father.  The  joy  Bedreddin  felt  in  finding  himself  surrounded 
by  so  many  persons  deservedly  dear  to  him,  made  him  ample 
amends  for  his  past  suffering,  and  in  their  beloved  society  he 
passed  pleasantly  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

The  caliph  Haroun  Alraschid  was  so  well  pleased  with  this 
singular  story,  that  he  pardoned  the  indiscreet  slave  of  Giafar ; 
and  to  comfort  the  unfortunate  young  man  who  had  so  rashly 
murdered  the  lady,  he  gave  him  one  of  his  slaves  to  wife,  and 
received  him  into  his  service. 


THE  STORY  OF  ALADDIN,  OR  THE  WONDERFUL  LAMP. 

In  the  capital  of  China  there  lived  a tailor  named  Mustapha, 
who  with  difficulty  earned  a maintnance  for  himself,  his  wife, 
and  son,  whose  name  was  Aladdin. 

The  boy,  though  of  a sprightly  turn  and  good  natural  un- 
derstanding, was  careless  and  idle.  As  he  grew  up,  his  laziness 
increased.  He  was  continually  loitering  among  blackguards  in 
the  street ; nor  could  Mustapha  by  any  means  prevail  with  him 
to  apply  himself  to  some  employment  by  which  he  might  learn 
to  get  his  bread. 

This  idle  disposition  of  the  boy  destroyed  the  father  ^ Mus- 
tapha, finding  him  incorrigible,  was  so  much  afflicted,  that  his 
grief  brought  on  a fit  of  sickness  which  cost  him  his  life. 

Aladdin,  being  no  longer  restrained  by  his  father,  indulged 
his  indolence  to  the  utmost.  He  was  not  ashamed,  though 
fifteen  years  old,  to  be  supported  by  his  mother’s  labor,  yet 
ceased  to  pay  her  the  respect  and  duty  of  a son. 

One  day  as  he  was  amusing  himself  with  his  companions,  a 
stranger,  who  was  an  African  magician,  passing  by,  stopped  to 
observe  him.  After  looking  at  the  youth  for  some  time  very 
earnestly,  he  inquired  among  his  playmates  who  he  was,  and 
presently  learned  his  little  history.  The  wily  African  then  went 


94 


ARABIAN  NIG^  TS*  BA'TERTAINMMNTS. 


up  to  him  and  asked  him  it  his  father  was  not  called  Mustapha 
the  tailor?  “ He  was  so,"’  replied  the  boy,  ‘‘  but  he  has  been 
dead  for  some  time.”  The  magician  pretended  to  burst  into 
tears  at  this  account.  He  embraced  Aladdin,  and  told  him  he 
was  the  brother  to  his  father ; then  inquiring  where  his  mother 
lived,  he  gave  the  lad  a handful  of  small  money,  and  bade  him 
tell  her  he  would  come  and  sup  with  her. 

Aladdin  ran  home  to  his  mother,  and  related  to  her  all  the 
particulars.  The  old  woman  told  him  that  she  never  heard  his 
father  talk  of  a brother  j but  as  the  stranger  had  treated  him 
so  kindly,  and  given  him  money  enough  to  provide  a supper, 
she  would  make  ready  to  receive  him.  In  the  evening  the  new 
relation  came,  and  embracing  the  widow  of  Mustapha,  shed 
many  tears,  lamenting  that  he  had  not  arrived  sooner  that  he 
might  have  seen  his  brother.  He  then  produced  some  fine 
fruits  and  wines,  and  they  sat  down  to  supper. 

During  their  meal  the  magician  pretended  to  admire  Aladdin 
much.  “ He  must  be  very  like  what  his  father  was  at  his  age,” 
said  he ; “ for  though  it  is  forty  years  since  I left  my  native 
country,  my  love  for  my  brother  kept  his  features  in  my  mind, 
and  I recollected  them  the  instant  I saw  him.”  Then  turning 
to  Aladdin,  he  asked  him  what  trade  he  had  chosen  ? Aladdin, 
who  was  ashamed  of  his  not  being  able  to  answer  such  a ques- 
tion, hung  down  his  head  and  blushed  ; but  his  mother  replied 
that  he  was  an  idle  fellow,  who  would  do  nothing  but  loiter 
in  the  streets ; and  went  on  giving  him  the  character  he  de- 
served. 

Aladdin  was  covered  with  confusion  at  his  mother’s  report 
of  him  ; and  the  magician  added  to  his  concern  by  blaming  him 
severely.  He  recommended  to  the  young  man  that  he  should 
apply  himself  to  traffic.  “ I,”  said  he,  can  instruct  you  how 
to  buy  your  goods.  I will  take  a shop,  and  furnish  it  for  you 
with  stuffs  and  linens.  These  I will  give  you  to  begin  with,  if 
you  will  promise  to  be  diligent,”  Aladdin  did  not  want  sense, 
though  he  hated  work  ; he  knew  that  the  keepers  of  such  shops 
were  respected ; he  accepted  therefore  his  new  uncle’s  offer 
with  great  thankfulness. 

The  day  following,  the  magician  called  upon  them  again 
early.  He  took  Aladdin  out  with  him,  and  gave  him  handsome 
clothes,  suitable  to  the  station  of  a merchant ; he  put  some 
money  also  in  his  pocket,  and  made  a treat  for  some  principal 
merchants,  on  purpose  to  introduce  his  pretended  nephew  to 
them.  Aladdin  and  his  mother  were  by  these  means  com- 
pletely deceived.  They  never  doubted  but  the  man  who  heaped 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


•95 


so  many  favors  upon  them  was  really  their  near  relation,  and 
blessed  Providence  for  their  good  fortune  in  being  found  out 
by  him. 

The  magician  continued  caressing  them  till  he  had  obtained 
full  possession  of  their  confidence.  One  evening  at  supper,  he 
said  to  his  pretended  sister-in-law,  I am  thinking,  as  to-mor- 
row will  be  Friday,  to  take  Aladdin  and  show  him  the  gardens 
out  of  town,  where  the  gentry  walk ; and  as  he  has  never  been 
there,  and  probably  will  like  to  see  them  all,  I will  take  some 
refreshments  with  us,  and  we  will  not  return  till  night. To 
this  proposal,  Aladdin  and  his  mother  consented  with  great 
pleasure. 

In  the  morning,  the  young  man,  dressed  in  all  his  new 
finery,  attended  the  magician  accordingly.  He  took  him  to  the 
gardens  belonging  to  the  sumptuous  palaces  of  the  nobility, 
which  were  situated  out  of  the  city.  Aladdin,  having  never 
seen  anything  so  elegant,  was  highly  delighted.  His  false 
uncle  drew  him  by  degrees  beyond  them,  into  the  champaign 
that  led  to  the  mountains,  amusing  him  all  the  way  with  pleas- 
ant stories,  intermixed  with  advice  to  drop  his  boyish  acquaint- 
ance, and  converse  with  men.  Aladdin,  though  well  pleased 
with  this  discourse,  began  to  tire,  which  the  magician  perceiw 
ing,  proposed  that  they  should  sit  down  and  rest.  He  then 
produced  a parcel  of  cakes  and  sweetmeats,  and  gave  the  lad 
as  many  as  he  chose,  after  which  they  pursued  their  walk. 

At  length  they  came  to  a valley  which  separated  two  moun- 
tains of  considerable  height.  The  magician  told  Aladdin  he 
would  show  him  some  things  very  extraordinary.  He  directed 
him  to  gather  a parcel  of  dry  sticks  and  kindle  a fire  ; which 
being  done,  the  African  cast  a perfume  in  it,  and  pronounced 
certain  magical  words  ; immediately  a great  smoke  arose,  after 
which  the  earth  trembled  a little,  and  opening,  discovered  a 
stone  about  half  a yard  square.  Aladdin  was  so  frightened  at 
what  he  saw,  that  he  would  have  run  away  ; but  the  magician 
catching  hold  of  him,  gave  him  so  violent  a blow  that  it  knocked 
him  down. 

The  youth  arose,  and  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  asked  his  sup- 
posed uncle  what  he  had  done  to  merit  such  severity.  The 
African's  view  was  to  make  the  boy  stand  in  awe  of  him,  that 
he  might  without  hesitation  obey  his  orders,  and  execute  what 
he  had  for  him  to  do.  He  chid  him  therefore  for  his  want  of 
resolution  and  confidence  in  him,  whom  he  ought  to  consider 
as  his  second  father.  He  then  began  to  talk  to  him  with  his 
usual  affability.  “ There  is  hidden/'  said  he,  “ under  that  stone 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  BJVTERTAINMENTS. 


96 

an  immense  treasure,  which  you  may  possess  if  you  carefully 
observe  my  instructions.’’  Aladdin  promised  the  most  exact 
obedience.  The  magician  embraced  him,  and  putting  a ring 
on  his  finger,  bade  him  pronounce  the  name  of  his  father  and 
grandfather,  and  raise  up  the  stone.  Aladdin  did  as  he  was  di- 
rected ; and  notwithstanding  its  immense  size,  he  removed  the 
stone  with  great  ease,  and  discovered  a hole  several  feet  deep, 
and  steps  to  descend  lower.  . 

“ Observe,”  said  the  African,  ‘‘  what  I am  going  to  say  to 
you.  Not  only  the  possession  of  the  treasure,  but  your  life  it- 
self will  depend  on  your  punctual  attention.  Though  I have 
opened  this  cave,  I am  forbidden  to  enter  it ; that  honor  is  per- 
mitted only  to  you.  Go  down  boldly  then.  You  will  find  at  the 
bottom  of  these  steps,  three  great  halls,  in  each  of  which  you  will 
see  a large  number  of  coffers  full  of  gold  and  silver.  Be  sure 
you  do  not  meddle  with  them  ; nor  must  you  suffer  your  very 
clothes  to  touch  the  walls.  If  you  do,  you  will  instantly  perish. 
When  you  are  through  these  halls,  you  will  come  to  a garden. 
Here  you  will  be  perfectly  safe,  and  may  handle  anything  you 
see.  At  the  further  end  of  it  you  will  find  a lamp,  burning  in 
a niche.  Take  that  lamp  down,  throw  away  the  wick,  pour  out 
the  liquor,  and  put  the  lamp  in  your  bosom  to  bring  to  me.” 

Aladdin  obeyed  exactly  his  supposed  uncle.  He  went 
through  the  halls  with  as  much  precaution  as  the  fear  of  death 
could  inspire.  He  crossed  the  garden,  secured  the  lamp  in  his 
bosom,  and  then  began  to  look  about  with  ease  and  composure. 
He  found  the  trees  were  loaded  with  fruits  of  many  colors. 
Transparent,  white,  red,  green,  blue,  purple,  and  yellow.  The 
transparent  were  diamonds  ; the  white,  pearls  ; the  red,  rubies ; 
the  green,  emeralds  ; the  blue,  turquoises ; the  purple,  ame- 
thysts ; and  the  yellow,  sapphires.  All  these  fruits  were  large, 
and  uncommonly  beautiful.  Aladdin,  though  he  knew  nothing 
of  their  value,  was  yet  much  pleased  with  them  ; and  as  he  had 
been  told  he  might  safely  meddle  with  anything  in  the  garden, 
he  filled  his  pockets  with  some  of  each  sort,  and  even  crammed 
as  many  as  he  could  into  his  bosom.  He  then  returned  through 
the  halls  with  the  same  precaution  as  before  ; and  having  as- 
cended the  steps,  he  called  out  to  his  uncle  to  assist  him  with 
nis  hand,  and  pull  him  out  of  the  cave. 

Nothing  could  be  further  from  the  intention  of  the  magician 
than  to  deliver  Aladdin  from  the  cave.  He  had  found  by  his 
books  that  there  was  such  a lamp  concealed  in  a subterraneous 
abode  in  China,  which  would  render  the  possessor  more  power 
ful  than  any  prince  in  the  world  ; but  as  he  was  not  permitted  to 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


97 


enter  the  place  himself,  he  resolved  therefore  to  seduce  some 
friendless  boy  to  fetch  him  the  wonderful  talisman,  and  having 
gained  it,  to  shut  up  the  cave,  and  leave  him  to  his  fate.  When 
Aladdin  therefore  called  out  for  his  assistance,  he  called  as 
loudly  for  the  lamp.  The  young  man  would  have  readily  given 
it  to  him,  if  he  had  not  buried  it  in  his  bosom  by  the  quantity 
of  jewels  he  had  put  over  it ; and  being  ashamed  to  own  that, 
he  entreated  his  supposed  uncle  to  help  him  out,  and  he  would 
deliver  it  to  him  immediately. 

The  dispute  had  lasted  a short  time,  and  neither  of  them 
was  disposed  to  give  way,  when  the  magician  turned  his  head, 
and  saw  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  were  entering  the 
valley.  Fear  of  being  discovered  by  them,  and  rage  at  the 
obstinacy  of  the  young  man,  overcame  every  other  considera« 
tion.  He  pronounced  two  magical  words,  which  replaced  the 
stone  and  closed  the  earth.  By  this  means  he  lost  all  hope  of 
obtaining  the  lamp,  since  it  was  forever  out  of  his  power  to 
open  the  cave  again,  or  to  teach  others  how  to  do  it.  But  he 
gratified  his  revenge  on  the  author  of  his  disappointment,  by 
delivering  up  Aladdin,  as  he  supposed,  to  certain  death.  He 
set  off  immediately  for  his  own  country,  taking  care  not  to  re- 
turn to  the  city,  lest  he  should  be  questioned  respecting  his 
pretended  nephew, 

Aladdin  was  exceedingly  terrified  to  find  himself  thus 
buried  alive.  He  cried  out,  and  called  to  his  uncle,  offering  to 
give  him  the  lamp  immediately  ; but  it  was  too  late.  As  the 
cave  was  entirely  dark,  he  thought  of  returning  through  the 
halls  into  the  garden,  which  was  light ; but  here  also  he  was 
disappointed.  The  door,  which  had  been  opened  by  enchant- 
ment, being  now  shut. 

In  this  state  he  continued  two  days ; when,  in  an  agony  of 
distress,  he  clasped  £is  hands  together,  and  rubbed  the  ring 
the  magician  had  put  upon  his  finger,  and  which,  in  his  hurry 
to  obtain  the  lamp,  he  had  entirely  forgotten  to  take  away.  Im- 
mediately an  enormous  genie  rose  out  of  the  earth,  with  a ^orch 
in  his  hand,  which  illuminated  the  cave  as  though  the  sun  had 
§hone  in  it,  and  said  to  him,  “ What  wouldst  thou  ? lam  ready 
to  obey  thee  as  thy  slave,  while  thou  wearest  that  ring ; I and 
the  other  slaves  of  the  ring.” 

At  another  time  Aladdin  would  have  been  terrified  to  death 
at  such  an  appearance ; but  despair  gave  him  courage.  He  re- 
plied rapidly,  ‘‘  I charge  you,  by  the  ring,  if  you  are  able,  to 
release  me  from  this  place.”  He  had  no  sooner  spoken,  than 
the  earth  opened  ; the  genie  lifted  him  up  to  the  surface,  and 


ARABlAJSr  mCHTS'  BATTER  TA/ATAf BATTS. 


98 

immediately  disappeared,  the  earth  closing  again  at  the  same 
instant. 

Aladdin  rejoiced  greatly  at  his  deliverance,  and  found  his 
way  home  without  much  difficulty ; but  he  was  so  agitated  by 
his  past  terrors,  and  faint  for  want  of  sustenance,  that  it  was 
some  time  before  he  could  relate  the  particulars  of  his  adven- 
ture.  His  mother  congratulated  him  on  his  escape  from  such 
imminent  danger,  and  was  not  sparing  of  her  execrations  against 
the  treacherous  impostor  who  lead  him  into  it. 

The  next  morning  when  Aladdin  got  up  he  was  very  hungry, 
and  called  upon  his  mother  for  some  breakfast.  Alas ! 
child,’’  she  said,  “ I have  been  so  distressed  on  your  account, 
that  I have  not  been  able  to  do  any  work  these  two  days,  so 
that  I have  no  money  to  buy  any  provision  ; and  all  I had  in 
the  house,  you  ate  yesterday  But,”  continued  she,  “ here  is 
the  lamp  you  brought  home,  and  which  had  like  to  cost  you 
your  life  ; it  seems  to  be  a very  good  one,  I will  clean  it  * and 
I dare  say  it  will  sell  for  money  enough  to  keep  us  unt  1 I have 
spun  some  m re  cotton.”  Saying  this,  she  took  some  sand,  and 
began  to  rub  it,  when  in  an  instant  a genie  of  gigantic  size  stood 
before  her,  and  said,  “ What  wouldst  thou  ? I am  reac'^  to 
obey  thee  as  thy  slave  ; the  slave  of  all  those  who  hold 
that  lamp  in  their  hands ; I and  the  other  slaves  of  the 
lamp.” 

Aladdin’s  mother  swooned  away  at  the  sight  of  the  genie  ; 
but  her  son,  who  had  once  before  seen  such  another,  caught  the 
lamp  out  of  her  hand,  and  said,  “ I am  hungry ; bring  me  some- 
thing to  eat  presently.”  The  genie  disappeared  ; and  presently 
returned  with  a large  silver  basin  containing  twelve  covered 
plates  of  the  same  metal,  all  full  of  the  choicest  dainties,  with 
six  white  loaves,  and  two  bottles  of  sherbet.  Having  placed 
these  things  on  the  table,  he  disappeared. 

•When  Aladdin’s  mother  recovered,  she  was  very  much 
pleased  to  see  such  a plenty  of  nice  provisions.  She  sat  down 
with  her  son,  and  they  feasted  abundantly.  When  they  had 
done,  the  old  lady  inquired  what  had  passed  between  the  genie 
and  her  son,  while  she  was  in  her  swoon. 

When  being  informed  that  her  rubbing  the  lamp  had  caused 
the  genie  to  appear,  she  protested  against  ever  touching  it 
again,  and  earnestly  advised  her  son  to  sell  it.  Young  as  he 
was,  he  had  more  prudence.  He  remonstrated  with  her  on  the 
great  pains  his  false  uncle  hr^'  taken  to  procure  the  talisman  ; 
on  the  use  it  had  now  been  to  them,  and  would  no  doubt  con- 
tinue to  be  ; as  they  might  live  comfortably  without  labor. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


99 


Lastly,  that,  as  he  was  now  used  to  the  appearance  of  genii,  he 
would  rub  the  lamp,  when  he  wanted  anything,  at  a time  when 
she  was  not  in  the  way.  His  mother  answered,  that  he  might 
do  as  he  pleased ; but  for  her  part  she  would  have  nothing  to 
do  with  genii. 

The  next  day,  the  provisions  being  all  gone,  Aladdin  took 
one  of  the  plates,  and  went  to  a Jewish  merchant  to  sell  it. 
The  Jew  soon  perceived  it  was  of  the  purest  silver,  but  thinking 
the  owner  ignorant  of  the  value,  he  offered  a piece  of  gold  for 
it.  Aladdin  thought  he  had  made  a good  bargain.  He  gave 
the  money  to  his  mother,  and  they  lived  upon  it  in  their  usual 
frugal  manner,  as  long  as  it  lasted.  Aladdin  then  sold  another 
plate,  and  so  on  till  they  had  only  the  basin  left ; and  that 
being  very  large,  the  Jew  gave  him  two  pieces  for  it,  which  sup- 
ported them  a considerable  time. 

When  all  the  money  was  spent,  Aladdin  had  recourse  again 
to  the  lamp,  and  the  genie  supplied  the  table  with  another 
silver  basin  and  the  same  number  of  covered  plates  equally  well 
filled. 

The  provisions  being  all  consumed,  Aladdin  was  going,  as 
before,  with  one  of  the  plates  to  the  Jew,  when  he  was  called  to 
by  a goldsmith,  who  asked  him  if  he  had  anything  to  sell.  “You 
go  often,”  said  he,  “ to  that  Jew,  who  is  the  greatest  cheat  among 
his  brethren ; if  you  deal  with  him,  he  will  certainly  defraud 
you.”  Aladdin  produced  his  plate,  which  the  goldsmith  weighed^ 
and  counted  him  down  sixty  pieces  of  gold  for  it.  The  young 
man  thanked  the  honest  shopkeeper,  to  whom  he*afterward  sold 
the  other  plates  and  the  basin. 

Aladdin  and  his  mother  very  prudently  continued  to  live  as 
usual  for  several  years  ; only  he  went  more  neat,  and  instead  of 
associating  with  mean  fellows,  he  by  degrees  insinuated  himself 
into  the  good  opinion  of  the  first  merchants  and  jewellers  of  the 
city.  Hence,  besides  obtaining  a general  knowledge  of  the 
world,  which  rendered  him  a pleasant  and  agreeable  companion, 
he  became  acquainted  with  the  true  value  of  those  jewels  he 
had  brought  from  the  garden  in  the  subterraneous  cave.  These 
he  had  considered  as  colored  glass  only,  and  had  suffered  them 
to  lie  unnoticed  in  a couple  of  bags,  under  one  of  the  cushions 
of  the  sofa.  But  though  he  found  himself  possessed  of  immense 
wealth,  yet  he  persisted  in  living  privately,  even  humbly ; 
devoting  his  whole  time  to  the  improvement  of  his  under- 
standing. 

Accident  put  an  end  to  this  philosophical  indolence,  scarcely 
excusable  in  a young  man.  One  day  as  Aladdin  was  walking 


100 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  EA^TERTAmMENTS. 


in  the  town,  he  heard  an  order  of  the  sultan  published,  for  all 
the  people  to  shut  their  shops  and  keep  within  doors,  while  the 
princess  Badroulboudour  (that  is,  full  moon  of  full  moons),  the 
sultan’s  daughter,  went  to  the  baths,  Aladdin  was  seized  with 
a great  desire  to  see  the  princess ; to  accomplish  which,  he 
contrived  to  get  behind  the  outer  door  of  the  bath,  where  he 
remained  unobserved. 

As  the  princess  approached  the  door,  attended  only  by  her 
eunuchs  and  women,  she  laid  aside  her  veil,  and  gave  Aladdin 
an  opp''rtunity  to  have  a full  view  of  her.  Till  now  he  had 
never  seen  any  woman’s  face  but  his  mother’s.  He  supposed, 
therefore,  that  all  women  were  like  her,  and  thought  of  them 
with  indifference.  But  the  Instant  he  saw  the  princess,  who 
was  exceedingly  lovely,  he  felt  emotions  he  had  till  then  been 
a stranger  "o.  When  she  had  entered  the  inner  doors,  he 
returned  home,  pensive  yet  delighted.  He  passed  the  evening 
in  melancholy  and  silence,  and  the  night  in  indulging  the  starts 
of  a restless  and  disturbed  imagination. 

Next  morning  he  behaved  with  the  same  reserve  and  sad- 
ness. His  mother  had  perceived  before  his  change  of  behavior, 
and  thought  something  had  happened  to  displease  him.  But 
finding  the  same  appearance  next  day,  she  became  solicitous  to 
know  the  reason  of  it.  Aladdin,  after  musing  some  time,  told 
her  the  cause  of  his  uneasiness,  concluding  with  saying,  I love 
the  charming  princess  with  so  much  ardor,  that  I find  I cannot 
live  without  her,  and  am  resolved  to  ask  her  in  marriage  of  the 
sultan,  her  father.” 

Aladdin’s  mother  heard  with  attention  and  concern  ; but 
when  he  came  to  so  extravagant  a determination,  she  burst  into 
a loud  laughter.  ‘‘  My  dear  son,”  she  said,  “ do  you  consider 
who  you  are,  that  have  the  boldness  to  think  of  your  sovereign’s 
daughter  for  a wife  ? Do  you  not  remember  that  your  father 
was  a poor  tailor,  and  that  I am  of  as  mean  extraction  ? 
Sultan’s,  if  they  ever  give  their  daughters  to  their  subjects,  give 
them  to  those  who  have  distinguished  themselves  in  the  service 
of  their  country.  Where,  then,  are  your  pretensions  ? Lay 
aside,  I pray  you,  those  fancies,  which  are  enough  to  make  me 
think  you  out  of  your  senses.” 

Aladdin,  notwithstanding,  declared  his  resolution  to  per- 
sist. ‘‘Who  do  you  expect,”  said  his  mother,  “will  be  hardy 
enough  to  demand  the  princess  of  the  sultan  for  you,  according 
to  the  custom  of  our  country  ? ” “ YouJ  undoubtedly,”  replied 

her  son.  “ I shall  take  care,”  said  she  hastily,  “ how  I engage 
in  such  an  affair.  I go  to  the  sultan  on  such  a message  ! ” con- 


ARABIAN  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


lot 


tinued  the  old  woman ; “ had  you  wished  me  to  apply  to  some 
neighbor  for  his  daughter  in  marriage,  it  had  been  well ; but  to 
seek  the  daughter  of  the  sultan,  who  at  one  word  can  crush  you 
to  atoms ! what  extravagant  madness ! besides,  no  one  ap- 
proaches the  sovereign,  you  know,  to  ask  a favor  without  a 
present.  What  have  you  to  offer  the  sultan  worthy  his  accept- 
ance, even  for  his  smallest  favors,  much  less  for  the  highest  he 
can  bestow  ? ’’ 

“ I own,’’  replied  -Aladdin,  “ my  wishes  are  extravagant ; 
but  I love  the  princess  so  ardently,  that  I must  resign  my  life 
if  I do  not  succeed  ; nor  should  you  think  me  without  resources, 
when  you  recollect  what  the  lamp  I possess  has  already  done 
for  us.  As  to  a proper  offering  to  the  sultan,  I am  able  to 
furnish  you  with  one  which  I am  sure  he  will  gladly  accept.” 

Aladdin  then  arranged  the  jewels  he  had  brought  from  the 
garden,  in  a vessel  of  fine  porcelain,  which  showed  them  to 
great  advantage  ; and  persuaded  his  mother,  who  consented 
with  infinite  reluctance,  to  carry  them  to  the  sultan.  ‘‘  Depend 
upon  it,  my  son,”  said  she,  “your  present  will  be  thrown  away. 
The  sultan  will  either  laugh  at  me,  or  be  in  so  great  a rage  that 
he  will  make  us  both  the  victims  of  his  fury.” 

The  day  following,  Aladdin’s  mother  appeared  at  the  divan, 
and  was  admitted  with  other  suitors,  who  pleaded  their  causes 
before  the  sultan.  She  placed  herself  in  full  view  of  that  prince, 
having  her  present  tied  up  in  a white  fine  napkin,  but  never  at- 
tempted to  approach  him  to  declare  her  business.  When  the 
divan  broke  up  she  retired,  and  returned  again  the  next  council 
day,  when  she  placed  herself  as  before. 

She  continued  to  do  so  for  some  time,  till  at  length  the  sul- 
tan took  notice  of  her,  and  ordered  the  grand  vizier  to  intro- 
duce her  to  him.  The  sultan  bade  her  rise,  arid  said  to  her, 
“ Good  woman,  I have  observed  you  to  attend  very  often  from 
the  beginning  to  the  rising  of  the  divan ; what  is  your  busi- 
ness ? ” 

Aladdin’s  mother  replied,  “ Before  I presume  to  tell  your 
majesty  the  extraordinary  and  almost  incredible  affair  which 
brings  me  before  you,  I most  humbly  request  the  favor  of  being 
heard  by  you  in  private,  and  also  that  you  will  pardon  me  the 
bold,  or  rather  impudent  demand  I have  to  make.”  The  sul- 
tan’s curiosity  was  much  excited  by  this  preface  ; he  ordered 
everybody  to  withdraw  but  the  grand  vizier  and  the  petitioner, 
and  then  directed  her  to  proceed. 

She  was  in  no  hurry  to  do  so,  being  very  solicitous  to  ob- 
tain pardon  for  her  presumption  before  she  began.  The  sul- 


102 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


tan,  partly  tired  with  her  prattle,  and  partly  impatient  to  know 
what  she  had  to  ask,  gave  her  assurance  of  the  most  ample  par- 
don, and  again  ordered  her  to  relate  her  business,  and  speak 
boldly. 

Thus  encouraged,  the  old  lady  told  him  faithfully  in  what 
manner  her  son  had  seen  the  princess,  and  the  violent  love  for 
her  which  that  sight  had  inspired  him  with.  She  went  on  with 
much  prolixity  to  describe  the  debates  which  had  passed  be- 
tween them  on  the  subject,  and  concluded  by  formally  demand- 
ing the  princess  in  marriage  for  her  son ; at  the  same  time  she 
bowed  down  before  the  throne,  and  laid  her  present  at  the  foot 
of  it. 

From  the  manners  and  appearance  of  the  petitioner,  noth- 
ing could  seem  more  preposterous  to  the  sultan  than  such  a 
proposal.  The  instant  he  heard  it,  he  burst  into  laughter ; 
while  the  grand  vizier,  who  had  reason  to  hope  that  his  master 
intended  the  princess  for  his  son,  looked  on  the  old  woman  with 
eyes  of  indignation.  When  the  sultan  had  recovered  himself  a 
little,  he  said  to  her,  still  laughing,  “You  have  brought  a pres- 
ent, I see,  to  forward  your  suit ; pray  let  me  look  at  it.”  Alad- 
din^s  mother  hastened  to  lift  it  up  ; and  the  sultan,  who  ex- 
pected some  trivial  matter,  was  astonished,  when  she  removed 
the  napkin,  to  see  so  many  inestimable  jewels  set  before  him, 
the  smallest  of  which  very  far  surpassed,  in  beauty  and  value, 
any  in  his  own  treasury. 

The  vizier  was  no  less  chagrined  than  amazed  at  the  sight 
of  them  ; with  the  more  reason,  as  he  plainly  saw  they  had 
made  great  impression  on  the  sultan,  who  asked  him  if  the  pro- 
posals of  a man  offering  so  magnificent  an  introductory  present 
ought  not  to  be  listened  to.  The  vizier  entreated  his  master  to 
put  off  his  answer  to  a distant  day ; and  the  sultan,  who  was 
much  swayed  by  his  minister,  told  the  old  lady  to  return  again 
in  three  months,  hinting  that  very  probably  the  answer  then 
would  not  be  unfavorable. 

Aladdin’s  mother  was  overjoyed  at  a reception  so  much  be- 
yond her  hopes.  She  hastened  home  to  her  son,  who  received 
her  report  with  transport.  Three  months  indeed  seemed  an 
age ; but  as  he  had  never  hoped  to  succeed  without  infinitely 
more  difficulty,  his  joy  was  unbounded. 

Two  of  the  three  months  passed  in  this  delirium  of  happi- 
ness, from  which  he  was  aroused  by  news  which  at  once  dis- 
persed it.  His  mother  having  domestic  business  in  the  city, 
found  all  the  shops  shut  and  preparations  making  for  a general 
illumination.  On  inquiring  the  cause,  she  was  told  that  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


103 


son  of  the  grand  vizier  was  that  night  to  be  married  to  the 
Princess  Badroulboudour.  The  truth  was,  the  vizier  having 
been  alarmed  at  Aladdin’s  application,  had  taken  every  pos- 
sible means  to  forward  the  suit  of  his  son  ; and  being  a skilful 
courtier  and  a great  favorite,  he  prevailed  with  his  master  to 
set  aside  his  engagement  with  a stranger,  and  complete  the 
intended  nuptials  between  the  princess  and  the  son  of  his 
minister. 

Aladdin  was  in  despair  at  receiving  this  intelligence.  He 
retired  to  his  chamber  and  rubbed  his  lamp  ; the  genie  imme- 
diately appeared,  and  made  the  usual  tender  of  his  services. 
“ Hear  me  with  attention,”  said  Aladdin  ; I have  ever  had 
reason  to  be  satisfied  with  your  zeal  for  the  lamp,  in  those  mat- 
ters I have  applied  to  you  fo^  since  I have  been  in  possession 
of  it ; a greater  concern  now  calls  for  an  exertion  of  your 
power  and  fidelity.”  He  then  related  to  him  all  the  particulars 
of  his  application  to  the  sultan,  and  of  his  present  fears  ; and 
concluded  with  commanding  him,  the  instant  the  bride  and  the 
bridegroom  were  alone,  to  bring  them  in  their  bed  to  his  cham- 
ber. The  genie  promised  punctual  obedience,  and  disappeared. 

At  the  palace  the  usual  nuptial  ceremonies  were  completed. 
The  bride  was  conveyed  to  her  bed ; and  the  jocund  bride- 
groom, admitted  to  her  chamber,  shut  out  all  intruders,  and 
triumphed  over  his  obscure  rival.  But  the  moment  he  had  set 
his  feet  on  the  bed,  it  was  conveyed  away,  with  him  and  his 
bride,  to  a mean  chamber.  Aladdin  was  waiting  for  them.  He 
ordered  the  genie  (who  was  only  seen  by  himself)  to  take  the 
bridegroom  and  fix  him  immovably  in  an  outer  house.  He  then 
said  a few  words  to  encourage  the  princess,  and  laying  a sabre 
between  them,  as  a proof  that  her  honor  was  secure,  he  passed 
the  night  by  her  side. 

In  the  morning  he  summoned  the  genie  to  release  the  bride- 
groom, and  convey  them  back  to  the  palace.  This  he  per- 
formed so  exactly,  that  the  bed  was  deposited  in  the  nuptial 
chamber  at  the  instant  the  mother  of  the  princess  was  opening 
her  door  to  pay  her  morning  respects  to  her  daughter.  The 
vizier’s  son,  hearing  her  approach,  ran  to  the  wardrobe  to  put 
on  his  clothes,  being  almost  benumbed  with  the  cold. 

The  sultaness  was  surprised  to  be  received  by  her  daughter 
with  evident  marks  of  discontent.  For  a long  time  the  princess 
resisted  the  entreaties  of  her  mother,  and  refused  to  relate  the 
cause  of  her  uneasiness ; but  at  length  was  persuaded  to  tell 
her  all  that  had  happened.  The  sultaness  was  out  of  patience 
at  a narrative  so  improbable.  “ You  will  do  well,”  said  she  to 


104 


ARABIA//  N/G//TS'  BJVTERTAIJVMENTS, 


her  daughter,  not  to  repeat  this  fable  to  any  one  else.  Where 
is  your  husband  ? I shall  talk  with  him,  and  see  if  he  has  had 
the  same  vision.’’ 

The  son  of  the  vizier,  though  exceedingly  mortified  at  the 
transactions  of  the  past  night,  was  yet  too  proud  of  the  honor 
of  being  allied  to  the  sultan  to  forego  it  readily  ; he  hoped  also 
that  the  enchantment  which  had  distressed  him  was  now  at  an 
end ; at  any  rate  he  resolved  to  conceal  what  had  befallen  him 
for  the  present.  When,  therefore,  the  sultaness  asked  him  if 
he  was  as  much  infatuated  as  his  wife,  he  pretended  not  to  un- 
derstand the  question  ; on  which  the  sultaness  answered  with 
pleasure,  It  is  enough  ; I see  you  are  wiser  than  she.” 

The  rejoicings  in  the  palace  were  renewed,  and  all  appeared 
desirous  to  promote  the  pleasure  of  the  bride  and  bridegroom. 
The  vizier’s  son  counterfeited  so  well,  that  everybody  thought 
him  a happy  man ; but  the  affliction  of  the  princess  was  very 
slightly  concealed.  The  sultan,  who  was  extravagantly  fond  of 
her,  saw  it  with  great  concern  ; and  though  he  did  not  choose 
to  interrupt  the  joy  of  the  court  at  that  moment,  yet  he  resolved 
to  inquire  very  minutely  into  the  cause  of  it  the  day  following. 

At  night  the  moment  the  princess  and  her  spouse  were  in 
bed,  the  distress  of  the  past  night  was  renewed.  They  v/ere 
again  conveyed  to  Aladdin’s  chamber,  the  bridegroom  was 
disposed  of  as  before,  the  sabre  was  again  deposited  between 
the  princess  and  a stranger,  and  in  the  morning  they  were  re- 
conveyed to  their  ov/n  chamber  at  the  instant  that  the  attend- 
ants were  entering  it  to  announce  the  sultan. 

That  tender  father  was  anxious  and  impatient  to  know  the 
cause  of  his  daughter’s  sorrow.  He  came,  therefore,  as  early 
as  convenient  to  her  antechamber,  and  desired  to  see  her. 
The  princess  rose  immediately  and  attended  him.  A general 
explanation  now  took  place.  The  princess  informed  her  father 
in  what  manner  she  had  spent  the  two  preceding  nights ; the 
vizier’s  son  confirmed  the  account,  and,  under  pretence  of  con- 
sulting the  happiness  of  the  princess,  was  the  first  to  request 
that  the  marriage  might  be  dissolved.  A stop  was  put  to  all 
rejoicings,  and  the  marriage  was  publicly  declared  void. 
Many  conjectures  were  made  as  to  the  cause  of  this  event, 
which  became  generally  talked  of.  Aladdin  heard  of  it  with 
great  joy ; but  took  care  to  keep  secret  the  share  he  had  in 
the  adventure. 

When  the  three  months  were  expired,  Aladdin  sent  his 
mother  to  the  divan  as  before.  The  sultan  remembered  her  • 
but  having  no  inclination  to  give  the  princess  to  her  son,  he 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAIATMENTS, 


lOS 

consulted  his  vizier  on  the  subject,  who  advised  him  to  demand 
of  Aladdin  a nuptial  present  so  exceedingly  valuable  that  it 
would  be  out  of  his  power  to  procure  it.  The  sultan  was  well 
pleased  with  the  advice,  which  he  doubted  not  would  effectually 
prevent  his  hearing  any  more  of  Aladdin.  He  beckoned  the 
old  woman  to  him,  and  told  her  he  was  ready  to  give  the  prin- 
cess to  her  son,  provided  he  sent  him  forty  basins  of  massy 
gold,  full  of  the  same  kind  of  stones  she  had  given  him  before  •, 
each  basin  to  be  carried  by  a black  slave  led  by  a young  and 
handsome  white  slave,  all  of  them  magnificently  dressed.  “ Go,’" 
said  he,  and  tell  him  on  these  conditions  I am  ready  to  re- 
ceive him  as  my  son-in-law.” 

The  old  lady  returned  home  much  dejected.  She  thought 
it  utt«^ly  impossible  for  her  son  to  comply  with  this  demand, 
and  dreaded  the  effects  of  his  disappointment.  Aladdin 
heard  her  report  with  great  pleasure  ; and  summoning  the  genie, 
requested  he  would  immediately  provide  the  present  the  sultan 
had  demanded  that  it  might  be  sent  before  the  divan  broke  up. 

In  a few  minutes  the  house  of  Aladdin  was  filled  by  the 
eighty  slaves : forty  black  ones,  bearing  large  golden  basins 
filled  with  all  sorts  of  jewels,  each  basin  being  covered  with  a 
silver  stuff  embroidered  with  flowers  of  gold.  Aladdin  pressed 
his  mother  to  return  to  the  sultan  and  present  him  with  the 
dowry  he  had  demanded ; and  opening  the  door,  he  ordered  a 
white  slave  to  go  out,  and  a black  one  with  his  basin  to  follow. 
In  this  order  they  all  set  forth,  and  the  mother  of  Aladdin 
closed  the  procession. 

The  splendid  habits  of  the  slaves,  and  the  beauty  and 
gracefulness  of  their  persons,  attracted  every  eye.  They  pro- 
ceeded slowly,  and  at  equal  distances  from  each  other,  and  as 
they  marched  through  the  city,  the  people  crowded  to  see  them. 
When  they  arrived  at  the  palace,  the  porters  would  have  re- 
ceived them  with  the  highest  honors ; but  he  who  came  first, 
being  instructed  by  the  genie,  said,  ‘‘  We  are  only  slaves  ; our 
master  will  appear  in  due  time.” 

When  they  entered  the  divan,  they  formed  a semicircle 
before  the  throne,  the  black  slaves  laid  the  basins  on  the  car- 
pets and  uncovered  them,  and  the  whole  company  having  paid 
proper  compliments  to  the  sovereign,  stood  with  their  arms 
crossed  over  with  great  modesty. 

The  sultan  surveyed  the  whole  with  the  utmost  amazement 
and  satisfaction.  The  vizier  himself,  notwithstanding  his  grief 
and  envy,  was  obliged  to  own  that  Aladdin’s  present  merited 
his  reception  into  the  royal  family.  All  the  court  concurred 


Io6  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

in  his  opinion  ; and  the  sultan  dismissed  the  old  lady  with 
directions  for  her  son  to  hasten  and  receive  the  princess  from 
the  hands  of  her  father. 

The  joy  with  which  Aladdin  received  this  message  was  un- 
utterable. He  summoned  the  genie,  and  said,  “ Genie,  I want 
to  bathe.  Provide  me  also  with  proper  apparel  and  equipage, 
that  I may  visit  the  sultan,  who  has  consented  to  receive  me 
as  a son.’’  As  soon  as  he  had  spoken  these  words,  he  was  con- 
veyed to  a bath,  where  he  was  undressed  without  seeing  by 
whom,  and  washed  with  all  sorts  of  fine-scented  water.  When 
he  had  bathed,  he  was  quite  a different  man  from  what  he  had 
been  before.  His  skin  was  clear,  his  complexion  improved, 
and  his  whole  body  lightsome  and  easy.  The  genie  clothed 
him  with  a most  magnificent  habit,  and  conveyed  him  home, 
where  he  found  a number  of  attendants  ready  to  wait  on  him 
and  his  mother  to  the  palace. 

The  genie  supplied  him  with  ten  purses  of  gold,  which  he 
gave  to  the  slaves  who  went  before  him,  and  they  threw  hand- 
fuls of  it  on  each  side  among  the  populace.  By  this  liberality 
he  gained  the  affections  of  the  people  ; even  those  of  a higher 
order,  though  they  did  not  scramble  for  the  money,  were 
pleased  with  his  bounty  to  the  common  people.  He  was  so 
altered  that  his  former  companions  did  not  know  him  ; for  such 
were  the  effects  of  the  lamp,  that  those  who  possessed  it  ac- 
quired by  degrees  perfections  both  of  mind  and  person,  which 
qualified  them  for  the  high  fortune  the  right  use  of  it  advanced 
• them  to. 

When  Aladdin  arrived  at  court,  and  was  introduced  to  the 
sultan,  he  would  have  prostrated  himself  in  the  usual  manner, 
but  the  monarch  prevented  him  by  receiving  him  in  his  arms 
and  embracing  him.  They  conversed  together  a long  time, 
and  the  sultan  was  charmed  with  the  wit  and  good  sense  of 
his  intended  son-in-law.  The  judge  presented  the  contract, 
and  the  sultan  asked  Aladdin  if  he  chose  to  stay  in  the  palace 
and  solemnize  the  marriage  immediately. 

Aladdin  with  great  gratitude  declined  the  sultan’s  offer,  “ I 
would  wish  first,”  said  he,  “ to  build  a palace  fit  for  the  recep- 
tion of  the  charming  princess,  and  humbly  beg  your  majesty 
will  grant  me  a piece  of  ground  near  your  own,  that  I may  the 
readier  pay  my  duty  to  you.”  The  sultan  bid  him  take  what 
ground  he  pleased,  but  desired  him  to  consider  how  long  it 
must  be  before  he  could  complete  a nev/  palace  ; and  all  that 
time  he  should  be  without  the  pleasure  of  calling  him  son. 

When  Aladdin  returned  home,  he  summoned  the  genie  in 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINAIENTS. 


107 

the  usual  manner.  ‘‘Genie/’  said  he,  “the  punctuality  and 
diligence  with  which  you  have  executed  my  orders,  deserve 
every  acknowledgment.  I have  now  a commission  of  still 
greater  importance  for  you  to  perform.  I wish  you  to  build  me 
a palace  opposite  the  sultan’s,  fit  to  receive  the  princess.  Let 
the  materials  be  the  most  rare  and  costly  ; let  there  be  a large 
hall  in  it  with  a dome  at  the  top,  and  four-and-twenty  windows. 
Decorate  these  windows  with  jewels  of  all  descriptions — the 
most  valuable  you  can  procure,  but  leave  one  of  them  plain. 
Instead  of  wainscot,  let  the  walls  of  the  hall  be  formed  of 
massy  wedges  of  polished  gold  and  silver  laid  alternately.  Let 
the  offices  be  perfectly  complete,  and  the  whole  supplied  with 
the  most  sumptuous  furniture,  and  with  a proper  number 
of  handsome  slaves  to  perform  the  necessary  duties.  Do  all 
this,  I charge  thee  by  the  lamp,  in  the  most  perfect  manner, 
and  with  all  possible  dispatch.” 

By  the  time  Aladdin  had  finished  his  instructions  to  the 
genie,  the  sun  was  set.  The  next  morning  at  daybreak,  the 
genie  presented  himself  and  said,  “ Sir,  you  palace  is  finished ; 
come  and  see  how  you  like  it.”  Aladdin  consenting,  he  trans- 
ported him  thither,  and  led  him  through  the  various  apartments, 
where  he  found  his  orders  punctually  obeyed.  The  treasury 
was  filled  to  the  ceiling  with  bags  of  money,  the  palace  with 
the  most  costly  furniture,  and  the  stables  with  the  finest  horses 
in  the  world.  When  Aladdin  had  reviewed  the  whole,  he  gave 
it  the  praise  it  deserved.  He  then  ordered  the  genie  to  spread 
a piece  of  fine  velvet  from  the  sultan’s  palace  to  his  own,  for 
the  princess  to  walk  on,  which  being  executed,  the  genie  con- 
ducted Aladdin  back  to  his  own  apartment. 

As  the  morning  advanced,  the  grand  vizier  was  astonished 
at  the  sight  of  so  magnificent  a building  erected  on  a plain 
which  was  quite  open  the  night  before.  He  ran  to  acquaint 
the  sultan  with  it,  declaring  it  could  be  only  enchantment. 
“Vizier,”  replied  the  sultan,  “it  is  envy  makes  you  say  so. 
You  know  it  is  Aladdin’s  palace.  No  doubt  he  has  been  long 
engaged  in  preparing  it,  and  now  has  put  it  together  by  em- 
ploying a vast  number  of  people,  and  paying  them  well,  on  pur- 
pose to  surprise  us.  You  must  believe  his  riches  are  inex- 
haustible ; and  he  thus  shows  us  what  can  be  done  by  money.” 

Aladdin  now  sent  a message  to  the  sultan,  desiring  his  per- 
mission to  wait  on  him  and  the  princess,  and  that  the  nuptials 
might  be  solemnized  that  day.  The  sultan  consenting,  Aladdin 
bid  adieu  forever  to  his  parental  dwelling.  He  first  dispos^^d 
his  mother  to  go  to  the  palace  with  her  slaves  to  atiena  tue 


I o8  BIA  N NIGHTS'  ENTER  TAINMENTS. 

princess ; he  then  secured  his  wonderful  lamp,  and  mounting 
his  horse,  attended  by  a numerous  and  splendid  retinue,  he 
arrived  at  the  palace. 

The  marriage  ceremonies  were  performed,  and  in  the  even- 
ing Aladdin  went  first  to  his  own  palace,  that  he  might  be  ready 
to  receive  the  princess ; who,  having  taken  a tender  farewell  of 
her  parents,  set  forward  on  the  velvet,  amidst  the  sound  of 
trumpets  and  the  shouts  of  the  people.  Aladdin  received  her 
with  transport,  and  conducted  her  into  the  grand  hall,  which 
was  superbly  illuminated.  The  princess  being  seated,  a noble 
feast  was  served  up.  The  plates  and  dishes  were  all  of  bur- 
nished gold,  and  contained  the  most  delicious  meats  ; the  vessels 
on  the  beaufet  were  also  of  gold  ; and  all  the  other  furniture  in 
the  hall  was  suitably  magnificent.  The  princess,  though  used 
to  the  splendor  of  a court  from  her  infancy,  was  yet  much  struck 
with  the  magnificence  of  her  new  habitation,  and  expressed  her. 
pleasure  to  Aladdin  in  the  strongest  terms. 

After  supper  there  was  a concert  of  music  by  genii  and 
fairies,  and  a dance  by  the  same  kind  of  performers,  who  per- 
formed after  the  fashion  of  the  country,  in  fig;ire,  with  great 
grace  and  activity. 

The  day  following,  the  royal  parents  came  to  Aladdin^s 
palace  to  congratulate  the  princess ; she  received  them  with 
cheerful  duty,  and  conducted  them  to  the  hall.  They  were 
astonished  at  such  a display  of  riches  and  elegance  ; but  the 
sultan  seeing  one  of  the  windows  without  ornament,  inquired 
the  reason  of  it.  Sir,”  replied  the  prince,  for  so  Aladdin  was 
now  called,  “ I ordered  the  window  to  be  left  in  that  state,  that 
your  majesty  might  have  the  glory  of  finishing  this  hall  and 
palace.” 

The  sultan  accepted  the  compliment,  and  ordered  his  jewel- 
lers and  goldsmiths  to  set  about  it.  For  a whole  month  they 
were  busily  employed,  and  had  used  all  the  sultan’s  jewels, 
notwithstanding  the  large  supply  he  had  received  from  Aladdin, 
yet  they  had  not  finished  one  side  of  the  window.  When 
Aladdin  found  they  were  quite  at  a stand,  he  ordered  them  to 
undo  their  work,  and  restore  the  jewels  to  the  sultan.  He  then 
rubbed  his  lamp,  and  directed  the  genie  to  complete  the  hall, 
which  was  done  immediately. 

The  sultan,  when  the  workmen  returned  him  the  jewels, 
came  to  expostulate  with  his  son-in-law  on  his  leaving  so  noble 
a hall  unfinished;  but  when  Aladdin  conducted  him  into  it,  he 
found  the  windows  were  all  perfect.  Turning  to  Aladdin,  he 
embraced  him,  saying,  “ You  are  a most  extraordinary  man,  to 


ARABIAN  mCI/TS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


109 

do  such  surprising  things  thus  in  an  instant ; the  more  I know 
you,  the  more  I admire  you/’ 

From  this  time  Aladdin  lived  in  great  state.  He  was  also 
happy  in  the  affection  of  the  princess,  the  confidence  of  the 
sultan,  and  the  general  love  of  the  people.  He  supported  the 
dignity  of  his  rank  with  propriety ; his  abilities  appeared  more 
and  more  respectable.  On  a dangerous  insurrection,  the  sultan 
gave  him  the  command  of  his  armies,  and  he  was  found  worthy 
the  trust,  defeating  the  rebels  in  two  pitched  battles,  in  which 
he  displayed  great  courage  and  military  conduct. 

But  no  situation  in  human  life  is  exempt  from  misfortune. 
Several  years  after  these  events,  the  African  magician  who  had 
undesignedly  been  the  instrument  of  Aladdin’s  good  fortune, 
chanced  to  recollect  him,  and  resolved  to  know  if  he  had 
perished  in  the  cave.  He  cast  figures,  and  formed  a horoscope, 
by  which  he  found  that  Aladdin  had  escaped,  lived  splendidly, 
was  rich,  had  married  a princess,  and  was  very  much  honored 
and  respected. 

The  natural  malignity  of  the  magician  became  tenfold  on 
this  discovery.  He  burst  out  in  a rage,  saying,  “ Has  this 
wretched  tailor’s  son  discovered  the  virtue  of  the  lamp  ? does 
he  whom  I despised  and  devoted  to  death  enjoy  the  fruit  of  my 
labor  and  study  ? He  shall  not  long  do  so.”  He  immediately 
prepared  for  a journey,  and  setting  off  next  day,  travelled  till 
he  arrived  again  at  the  capital  of  China. 

He  put  up  at  one  of  the  principal  khans,  and  mingled  with 
people  of  the  better  sort,  among  whom  he  soon  heard  much 
talk  of  Aladdin’s  palace  ; for  though  it  had  been  built  some 
years,  it  still  continued  an  object  of  admiration  among  the 
citizens.  One  of  the  company,  perceiving  the  magician  was  a 
stranger  and  listened  to  them  with  particular  attention,  courte- 
ously offered  to  show  him  those  parts  of  it  where  the  public 
were  admitted.  The  magician  accepted  his  civility ; and  pres- 
ently was  convinced  that  it  was  built  by  the  genii,  slaves  to  the 
lamp,  as  it  was  evidently  out  of  the  power  of  man  to  produce 
so  rich  and  glorious  an  edifice. 

The  magician  heard  that  Aladdin  was  gone  on  a hunting- 
party,  which  would  last  several  days.  As  soon  as  he  got  back 
to  the  khan,  he  had  recourse  to  his  art  to  know  whether  Aladdin 
carried  his  lamp  about  him.  He  had  the  unhoped-for  pleasure 
to  learn  that  the  lamp  was  left  in  the  palace,  under  no  particular 
charge.  He  placed,  therefore,  a dozen  handsome  copper  lamps 
in  a basket,  and  went  to  the  palace  of  Aladdin,  crying  out, 
“ Who  will  change  old  lamps  for  new  ? ” 


SIO 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Several  people  accepted  his  offer,  and  this  drew  a crowd  of 
boys  and  idle  people  about  him.  The  noise  they  made  attract- 
ed the  notice  of  the  princess  ; she  sent  a female  slave  to  inquire 
the  cause.  On  her  report,  another  of  the  princess’s  women 
said,  Let  us  try  if  this  man  is  as  silly  as  he  pretends  to  be.  I 
remember  to  have  seen  an  old  copper  lamp  on  a cornice ; the 
owner  no  doubt  will  be  glad  to  find  a new  one  in  its  place.” 
Badroulboudour  consented  ; the  exchange  was  soon  made,  and 
the  magician  having  obtained  the  prize  he  sought,  returned 
with  it,  rejoicing,  to  his  khan. 

In  the  evening  he  went  into  the  fields,  and  reposed  himself 
till  midnight.  He  then  rubbed  the  lamp,  when  the  genie 
appeared,  and  said,  “ What  wouldst  thou  1 I am  ready  to  obey 
thee  as  thy  slave ; the  slave  of  all  those  who  have  that  lamp  in 
their  hands  ; I,  and  the  other  slaves  of  the  lamp.”  ‘‘  I command 
thee,”  replied  the  magician,  “ to  transport  me  and  the  palace 
which  thou  hast  built  in  this  city,  and  all  who  are  in  it,  to  such 
a place  in  Africa.”  The  genie  and  his  associates  immediately 
obeyed  him. 

The  sultan  was  so  delighted  with  Aladdin’s  palace,  that  he 
used  to  look  out  of  his  closet  every  morning  to  admire  it.  The 
morning  after  this  removal  he  was  astonished  to  see  only  a void 
space  where  the  palace  had  stood  the  evening  before.  On 
consulting  his  grand  vizier,  that  minister  replied,  I am  exceed- 
ingly sorry,  sir,  that  this  event  too  fully  proves  the  truth  of  my 
opinion.  Your  majesty  knows  I have  always  thought  this 
palace,  and  all  its  immense  riches,  were  the  work  of  magic 
only ; and  I now  fear,  with  too  much  reason,  that  those  powers 
who  were  capable,  in  one  night,  of  producing  so  much  treasure 
and  magnificence,  have  with  equal  facility  taken  them  away 
again.” 

These  remarks  of  the  vizier  kindled  the  sultan’s  rage  against 
Aladdin.  “ Where  is  that  impostor,  that  vile  wretch  ? ” ex- 
claimed the  sultan.  “ Bring  him  before  me,  and  let  his  head 
pay  the  price  of  his  widced  delusions.” 

The  vizier  dispatched  an  officer,  properly  instructed,  with  a 
small  party  of  horse,  in  search  of  Aladdin  ; when  they  came  up 
with  him,  the  officer  told  him  that  the  sultan  required  his 
presence  on  particular  business.  Aladdin,  who  had  not  the 
least  idea  of  his  having  incurred  the  displeasure  of  his  father- 
in-law,  took  leave  of  his  train,  whom  he  left  to  pursue  their 
sport,  and  joining  their  party,  rode  towards  the  city. 

When  they  drew  near  it,  the  officer  addressing  himself  to 
the  prince  said,  ‘‘  It  is  with  great  regret,  sir,  that  I declare  to 


AjRABIAJV  JVIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Ill 


you  the  commands  of  the  sultan,  which  are,  that  I am  to  arrest 
you,  and  carry  you  before  him  as  a criminal,  in  the  most  igno- 
minious manner.’’  Accordingly  a chain  was  put  about  his  neck, 
and  fastened  round  his  body,  so  that  his  arms  were  pinioned. 
One  of  the  troopers  took  hold  of  the  end  of  the  chain,  and 
Aladdin  was  obliged  to  follow  him  on  foot  through  the  city  to 
the  sultan’s  palace. 

Aladdin  submitted  with  astonishment  to  this  severe  treat- 
ment. The  officer  could  not  tell  him  the  reason  of  it,  nor  could 
his  own  imagination  suggest  it.  When  he  was  brought  into  the 
royal  presence,  the  sultan,  without  deigning  to  speak  to  him, 
ordered  the  executioner  to  take  off  his  head.  Aladdin  was 
stripped,  bound,  and  kneeling  to  receive  the  fatal  stroke,  when 
an  accident  happened,  which  obliged  the  sultan  reluctantly  to 
suspend  his  fate. 

The  conducting  Aladdin  through  the  city  with  so  much 
disgrace,  alarmed  and  irritated  the  people,  by  whom  he  was 
universally  beloved.  A large  mob  followed  the  party  to  the 
palace  ; and  as  the  news  spread,  the  mob  increased.  People 
of  all  descriptions  joined  them,  and  a great  disturbance  ensued. 
Part  of  the  rioters  were  so  bold  as  to  force  the  gates,  others 
scaled  the  walls  of  the  palace.  The  sultan  was  terrified.  He 
ordered  Aladdin  to  be  unbound,  and  bade  the  chiaoux  proclaim 
he  had  pardoned  him.  This  satisfied  the  people,  who  presently 
dispersed. 

When  Aladdin  was  set  at  liberty,  he  threw  himself  at  the 
sultan’s  feet  and  begged  to  know  his  crime.  “ Thy  crime,  per- 
fidious wretch !”  replied  the  sultan,  ‘‘dost  thou  not  know  it? 
Follow  me;”  and  leading  him  into  his  closet,  said,  “Thou 
oughtest  to  know  where  thy  palace  stood  ; look,  and  tell  me 
what  has  become  of  it.” 

Aladdin  seeing  his  palace  was  removed,  was  overwhelmed 
with  grief  and  despair.  The  sultan,  instead  of  being  softened 
by  his  distress,  became  more  and  more  incensed.  “Caitiff,” 
said  he,  “ produce  my  daughter,  whom  I value  a thousand  times 
beyond  thy  palace,  or  no  consideration  shall  restrain  me  from 
putting  thee  to  death.” 

“ I beseech  your  majesty,”  replied  Aladdin,  “ to  give  me 
forty  days  to  search  for  my  dear  princess  ; if  at  the  end  of  that 
time  I am  unsuccessful,  I do  solemnly  swear  I will  return,  and 
deliver  myself. into  your  hands.”  “ Begone,  then,”  answered 
the  sultan  ; “but  know,  that  if  you  break  this  oath,  you  shall 
not  escape  my  resentment.  My  rage  shall  pursue  you,  if  you 
do  not  produce  my  daughter,  in  whatever  part  of  the  world  you 
may  vainly  attempt  to  hide  vourselfcl!^ 


IT2 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Aladdin  left  the  sultan,  covered  with,  confusion.  As  he 
went  out  o*f  the  palace,  he  experienced  the  vanity  of  that  adula- 
tion which  is  usually  offered  to  persons  in  prosperity.  Among 
the  officers  of  the  court,  some  pitied,  some  insulted  him ; but 
no  one  offered  him  comfort  or  assistance.  He  passed  on  to 
the  city,  about  which  he  rambled  for  three  days.  His  senses 
became  disturbed ; and  he  asked  every  one  he  met,  if  he  could 
tell  him  any  news  of  his  palace. 

Tired  at  last  of  wandering  about  the  streets,  he  strolled  into 
the  country ; and  coming  to  the  side  of  a river,  as  he  was  in- 
dulging his  grief,  and  pensively  watching  the  undulation  of  the 
water,  the  ground  he  stood  on  gave  way,  and  he  would  have 
fallen  into  the  river,  if  he  had  not  caught  hold  of  a rock  which 
supported  him.  In  recovering  himself,  he  pressed  the  ring  he 
had  formerly  received  from  the  African  magician,  very  hard. 
The  genie  immediately  appeared  and  made  him  the  usual  offer 
of  his  services. 

Aladdin  recovering  at  once  from  his  despair,  cried  out,  “ O 
genie,  preserve  my  life  a second  time,  by  bringing  back  my 
palace  to  the  place  where  it  stood.” 

That  I cannot  do,”  replied  the  genie  ; “ you  must  address 
yourself  to  the  slave  of  the  lamp.”  ‘‘At  least,”  said  Aladdin, 
“ convey  me  to  the  place  where  it  stands,  and  set  me  down 
under  the  princess  Badroulboudour’s  window.”  These  words 
were  no  sooner  uttered,  tlaan  the  genie  transported  him  to  Africa, 
and  set  him  down  as  he  had  desired. 

It  was  night  when  Aladdin  found  himself  under  the  window 
of  the  princess.  As  he  knew  not  who  might  be  within,  he  deter- 
mined not  to  enter  it  till  morning.  He  sat  down  at  the  root  of 
a large  tree,  and  began  to  consider  within  himself  whence  his 
misfortunes  proceeded.  He  recollected  how  carelessly  he  had 
left  his  inestimable  lamp,  and  doubted  not  but  that  carelessness 
was  the  source  of  all  his  sorrows.  But  how  it  should  fall  into 
the  hands  of  any  one  who  knew  its  use,  was  wonderful  ; and 
still  more  so,  that  the  present  possessor  should  have  so  much 
ill-will  to  him,  as  to  remove  the  princess  and  her  palace. 

Amidst  these  contemplations,  the  fatigue  and  grief  he  had 
sustained  overcame  him,  and  he  fell  asleep ; but  waking  very 
early  in  the  morning,  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the 
princess  at  her  window ; for  from  the  time  of  her  removal  sor- 
row had  driven  sleep  from  her  eyelids.  Badroulboudour  soon 
perceived  him.  She  durst  not  converse  with  him  from  her 
window ; but  made  signs  to  him,  that  he  should  repair  to  the 
back  door,  where  a trusty  slave  attended  to  admit  him,  and  to 
conduct  him  to  his  beloved  princes^. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


II3 


When  the  joy  of  their  meeting  had  a little  subsided,  Bad- 
roulboudour  soon  explained  to  him  the  source  of  their  misfortune 
by  telling  him  they  were  in  Africa.  She  related  to  him  the 
manner  in  which  the  magician  had  obtained  the  lamp,  which  he 
now  constantly  carried  in  his  bosom  ; and  added,  that  he  every 
day  paid  her  one  visit,  and  audaciously  presumed  to  solicit  her 
love  ; assuring  her,  that  her  husband  had  fallen  a victim  to  the 
sultan’s  anger. 

Aladdin  having  heard  all  these  particulars,  besought  the 
princess  to  permit  him  to  go  to  a neighboring  town.  “ This 
man,”  said  he,  in  whose  power  we  now  are  is  the  most  subtle, 
and  the  most  wicked  of  mankind.  Yet  as  he  can  have  no  idea 
that  I am  at  hand,  I think  we  shall  be  able  to  evade  his  malice. 
When  he  comes  to  you  to-day,”  continued  Aladdin,  “ receive 
him  with  less  reserve  than  usual ; seem  as  if  you  would  shortly 
be  reconciled  to  your  situation  ; invite  him  to  sup  with  you,  and 
leave  the  rest  to  me.” 

Aladdin  then  went  into  the  town,  and  bought  of  a druggist 
half  a drachm  of  a certain  powder,  with  which  he  returned  to 
the  palace.  This  he  gave  to  the  princess,  with  instructions  how 
to  use  it ; and  then  retired  to  a closet,  lest  he  should  be  dis- 
covered. The  magician  paid  his  usual  visit  to  the  princess,  in 
the  course  of  the  day,  and  was  glad  to  find  her  in  much  better 
spirits  than  before.  She  had  now,  for  the  first  time  since  in 
his  power,  dressed  herself  elegantly ; she  conversed  with  him 
with  freedom ; and  even  heard  him  talk  of  love,  without  show- 
ing much  disgust.  When  he  was  about  to  depart,  she  pre- 
tended a desire  to  taste  the  wines  of  Africa,  and  desired  he 
would  provide  her  some  of  the  best,  and  come  and  sup  with 
her. 

The  wily  African,  with  all  his  cunning,  allowed  himself  to  be 
deceived.  His  nature  was  not  capable  of  generous  love.  The 
incomparable  beauty  of  the  princess  had,  indeed,  excited  in  him 
a coarse  and  beastly  desire,  which  he  hoped  now  to  gratify ; 
and  while  he  thought  himself  secure  of  his  expected  enjoyment, 
he  laughed  at  and  reviled  in  his  heart  the  versatility  of  the  sex, 
to  which  he  ascribed  his  success. 

In  the  evening  he  did  not  fail  to  attend  the  princess,  who 
received  him*  in  the  most  flattering  manner.  After  supper, 
when  the  wine  was  placed  before  them,  the  princess  gave  an  ap- 
pointed signal  to  her  attendant.  A gold  cup  was  presented 
to  the  magician,  and  another  to  the  princess.  In  her  cup  was 
the  powder  procured  by  Aladdin.  Wine  being  poured  out,  the 
princess  told  the  magician,  that  in  China  it  was  the  custom  for 


114 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


lovers  to  exchange  cups,  and  at  the  same  time  held  out  her  cup 
to  him.  He  eagerly  made  the  exchange  ; and  putting  the  cup 
he  had  received  from  her  to  his  lips,  he  drank  a little  of  the 
wine,  and  immediately  expired. 

When  the  magician  fell  down,  Aladdin,  who  had  watched 
the  event,  entered  the  hall ; and  running  to  the  body,  found  the 
lamp  carefully  wrapped  up  in  his  bosom.  He  retired  again  to 
the  closet,  and  summoning  the  genie,  commanded  him  to  restore 
the  palace  to  its  former  situation  ; which  he  did  accordingly, 
those  within  it  only  feeling  two  slight  shocks,  one  when  it  was 
lifted  up,  the  other  when  it  was  set  down,  and  both  in  a short 
interval  of  time. 

The  sultan  had  continued  inconsolable  for  the  loss  of  his 
daughter.  As  it  had  been  his  custom  formerly  to  go  often  into 
his  closet  to  admire  Aladdin’s  palace,  he  now  did  so  for  very 
different  reasons.  Every  morning,  and  often  in  the  daytime, 
he  retired  there,  to  indulge  his  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  his  beloved 
daughter.  The  morning  after  the  return  of  the  palace,  the 
sultan  entered  his  closet,  unusually  sad  ; when  going  to  the 
window,  he  had  the  joyful  surprise  to  see  it  again  in  its  place. 
He  flew  thither,  and  embraced  his  daughter  with  tears  of  joy ; 
nor  was  she  less  affected. 

When  their  transports  were  a little  abated,  the  princess  re- 
lated to  her  father  everything  that  had  befallen  her.  She  took 
upon  herself  the  whole  blame  of  changing  the  lamp,  and  mag- 
nified the  merit  of  her  husband  in  having  so  soon  found  her 
out  and  delivering  her.  The  sultan  embraced  Aladdin,  and 
they  forgave  each  other.  The  dead  body  of  the  magician  was 
thrown  upon  a dunghill ; and  the  whole  city  rejoiced  at  the 
safe  return  of  Aladdin  and  the  princess. 

The  happiness  of  Aladdin  was  not  yet  secured.  Though 
the  magician  was  dead,  he  had  left  a brother  as  wicked,  and  as 
powerful  as  himself.  It  was  the  custom  of  these  brethren  to 
inform  themselves  by  their  art,  once  a year,  where  each  other 
was,  and  whether  either  of  them  stood  in  need  of  the  other’s 
assistance. 

When  the  customary  period  arrived,  all  the  particulars  of 
the  African  magician’s  death  became  known  to  his  brother,  by 
his  skill  in  necromancy.  On  finding  such  a fatal  account,  he 
pursued  his  art,  till  by  it  he  became  acquainted  with  his 
brother’s  intercourse  with  Aladdin,  and  with  Aladdin’s  present 
situation.  Having  learned  all  these  things,  instead  of  indul- 
ging a fruitless  grief,  he  set  out  for  the  capital  of  China,  to 
gratify  his  revenge. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


He  crossed  plains,  rivers,  mountains,  deserts,  and  seas,  with 
incredible  fatigue,  till  he  arrived  there  safely.  After  a short 
repose,  he  went  continually  to  places  of  public  resort,  to  ac- 
quaint himself  with  the  customs  of  the  people,  and  Aladdin’s 
mode  of  living ; intending  to  form  thence  a plan  to  destroy 
him. 

Among  other  things  he  often  heard  of  one  Fatima,  a h^lj 
woman,  who  resided  in  a hermitage  near  the  city,  and  used  now 
and  then  to  come  to  it.  Her  piety  was  everywhere  spoken  c/*. 
They  even  declared  that  she  had  the  power  of  working  mir- 
acles ; and  particularly  that  she  never  failed  to  cure  any  person 
who  had  the  headache,  by  putting  her  hand  on  them. 

From  all  this,  the  magician  formed  a plot  which  he  put  in 
execution  in  this  manner : — He  found  out  the  cell  of  the  holy 
woman,  and  went  to  her  under  pretence  of  being  much  afflicted 
with  the  headache.  By  this  means  he  had  an  opportunity  of 
observing  her  appearance  and  manner  of  conversation.  He 
returned  to  the  city,  and  passed  the  evening  in  one  of  those 
houses  where  they  sell  hot  liquors,  and  where  any  person  may 
stay  all  night  if  he  chooses.  About  midnight  he  set  out  again 
for  Fatima’s  cell.  The  holy  woman  was  fast  asleep  in  her 
clothes,  on  a mattress.  He  awakened  her,  and  clapping  a 
dagger  to  her  breast,  bade  her  get  up  and  be  silent. 

Fatima  was  much  frightened,  but  thought  it  best  to  obey 
him.  He  then  ordered  her  to  change  clothes  with  him.  This 
done,  he  took  out  a vessel  holding  a certain  liquor,  and  a 
brush,  and  commanded  Fatima  to  color  his  face  that  it  might 
resemble  hers  ; but  perceiving  the  poor  creature  trembled  so 
much  that  she  was  unable  to  obey  him,  he  encouraged  her,  and 
swore  to  her  by  the  name  of  God  that  he  would  not  hurt  her. 
Comforted  by  this  assurance,  she  painted  his  face,  put  on  him 
her  coif  and  beads,  and  giving  him  her  stick,  she  showed  him 
how  he  ought  to  walk  to  appear  like  her.  Being  thus  com- 
pletely able  to  pass  for  Fatima,  he,  without  the  least  regard  to 
his  oath,  strangled  her,  and  threw  her  into  a cistern. 

In  the  morning  he  returned  to  the  city,  where  he  imitated 
the  holy  woman  so  well  that  every  one  believed  it  was  she,  and 
crowded  for  her  benediction.  He  went  directly  towards  Alad- 
din’s palace,  and  the  multitude  attending  him  being  noticed  by 
the  princess,  she  inquired  the  cause  of  it.  Badroulboudour 
had  often  heard  of  the  holy  woman,  but  had  never  seen  her. 
She  sent  therefore  to  desire  to  speak  with  her.  The  magician 
was  overjoyed.  He  counterfeited  Fatima  with  great  exact- 
ness ; and  when  introduced,  by  affecting  great  piety  and  morti- 


iTfi  * ARABIAJV  NIGHTS'  EJVTERTAmMEJVTS, 

fication,  by  a long  prayer,  and  many  vows  for  her  prosperity, 
the  detestable  hypocrite  gained  the  esteem  of  the  credulous 
princess,  who  was  too  good  herself  to  distrust  others. 

After  a long  conversation,  the  magician  artfully  dropped  a 
hint  at  the  splendor  of  the  palace.  The  princess,  thinking  the 
sight  of  the  magnificent  hall  must  give  pleasure  even  to  an  an- 
chorite, conducted  the  false  Fatima  thither,  and  asked  her  how 
she  liked  that  building.  “ I am  not,’’  replied  the  magician,  “ a 
judge  of  these  fine  things ; but  I think  if  a roc’s  egg  was  hung 
up  in  the  midst  of  the  dome,  the  whole  would  be  complete. 
There  is  one  on  the  top  of  Mount  Caucasus  ; and  the  architect 
who  built  your  palace  can  procure  it  for  you.” 

This  conversation  the  princess  paid  much  attention  to. 
She  had  ever  considered  that  hall  as  the  grandest  and  most 
elegant  building  in  the  world  ; and  she  could  not  bear  it  should 
want  anything  to  make  it  absolutely  perfect.  Shel  led  the  sup- 
posed holy  woman  into  another  apartment,  and  requested  her 
to  continue  with  her  the  remainder  of  the  day  ; to  which,  with 
apparent  reluctance,  but  with  real  joy,  the  deceiver  consented. 

When  Aladdin  returned  from  council,  the  princess  met  him, 
and  desired  he  would  have  a roc’s  egg  hung  up  in  the  dome  of 
the  hall,  telling  him  at  the  same  time  where  there  was  one. 
Aladdin,  who  was  always  desirous  of  pleasing  the  princess,  went 
immediately  to  the  hall,  and  summoning  the  genie,  said,  There 
is  a roc’s  egg  on  Mount  Caucasus,  which  I would  have  thee 
bring,  and  hang  up  in  this  dome.”  The  words  were  no  sooner 
uttered,  than  the  genie  set  up  a fearful  cry,  after  which  he  said 
to  Aladdin,  ^‘Wretch!  is  it  not  enough  that  I and  my  com- 
panions have  done  so  much  for  thee,  but  thou  must  command 
me  to  bring  my  master,  and  hang  him  up  in  thy  hall  1 It  is  well 
for  thee  that  thou  art  not  the  author  of  this  ungrateful  request. 
Know,  then,  that  the  deviser  of  it  is  the  brother  of  the  African 
magician.  He  has  murdered  Fatima,  and  is  now  with  thy  wife, 
disguised  to  resemble  that  holy  woman.  It  was  he  who  sug- 
gested this  demand  to  the  princess,  by  which  he  hoped  to  have 
involved  you  both  in  ruin.  He  will  now  endeavor  to  kill  thee ; 
look  therefore  to  thyself.”  After  these  words,  the  genie,  snatch- 
ing the  lamp  from  Aladdin’s  hand,  disappeared. 

As  soon  as  Aladdin  had  recovered  from  his  surprise,  he  de- 
termined at  once  what  measures  to  pursue.  He  went  into  the 
chamber  where  the  princess  and  the  magician  were  conversing 
together,  and  pretended  to  have  the  headache,  desiring  the  false 
Fatima  to  cure  it.  The  magician,  overjoyed,  approached  with 
a dagger  in  one  hand  concealed  under  his  clothes  ; as  he  drew 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  ny 

near,  Aladdin  seized  him  by  that  arm,  and  in  an  instant,  with 
his  own  dagger,  put  an  end  to  his  pernicious  life. 

Though  Aladdin  was  much  grieved  for  the  loss  of  his  lamp, 
yet  he  consoled  himself,  as  by  the  death  of  the  magician  his 
peace  was  secured.  He  succeeded  some  years  afterwards  to  the 
throne  of  China,  on  which  he  reigned  with  his  princess  to  a 
good  old  age,  and  left  behind  him  a numerous  posterity. 


THE  STORY  OF  LITTLE  HUNCHBACK. 

At  Casgar,  on  the  borders  of  Tartary,  there  lived  a tailor 
a cheerful,  hospitable  fellow,  who  had  a very  deserving  wife 
that  he  was  fond  of.  One  evening,  as  he  was  leaving  off  work, 
a little  deformed  man  sat  down  near  his  shop,  and  taking  out  a 
lute,  played  and  sung  very  melodiously.  The  tailor  was  much 
pleased  with  his  performance,  and  thinking  to  amuse  his  wife, 
he  took  Hunchback  home  to  sup  with  him.  Their  supper 
consisted  of  a large  dish  of  fish.  Unluckily,  the  crooked  gen- 
tleman swallowed  a bone,  of  which  he  died  in  a few  minutes, 
notwithstanding  his  hosts  gave  him  every  assistance  in  their 
power. 

The  tailor  and  his  wife  were  exceedingly  frightened  at  this 
accident ; and  dreading  the  consequences  of  the  body  being 
found  in  their  apartment,  they  conveyed  it  to  the  house  of  a 
Jewish  doctor,  who  lived  not  far  off.  The  tailor  supported  the 
body,  as  if  it  was  a sick  man,  and  his  wife  gave  the  doctor^s 
servant  a piece  of  gold,  and  desired  he  would  come  to  them 
immediately.  The  maid  went  up  to  her  master,  and  the  tailor 
and  his  wife  nimbly  following  her,  carried  the  body  to  the  top 
of  the  stairs,  and  leaning  it  against  the  wainscot,  hastened 
away  as  quickly  as  possible 

The  doctor,  notwithstanding  his  skill,  was  exceedingly  poor. 
The  piece  of  gold  he  received,  gave  him  a good  opinion  of  his 
patient.  He  ordered  his  servant  to  follow  with  the  light,  and 
running  to  the  stairs,  he  knocked  the  body  down  to  the  bottom 
of  them.  When  the  light  came,  the  Jew,  finding  the  corpse 
warm,  made  no  question  but  that  the  sick  man  had  expired  in 
consequence  of  the  fall.  He  gave  himself  up  to  despair ; but 
his  wife,  more  fertile  in  invention,  contrived  the  means  of  avoid- 
ing the  danger.  She  advised  the  Jew  to  take  Hunchback  to 
the  top  of  the  house,  and  by  means  of  ropes  to  lower  him  down 
a neighboring  chimney. 

The  apartment  into  which  little  Hunchback  was  now  com 


1 1 8 AR.ABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTER  TA INMENTS 

veyed  belonged  to  a Mussulman,  who  was  purveyor  of  pro- 
visions to  the  sultan.  When  he  came  home,  and  saw  bi/’  the 
light  of  his  lantern  a man  standing  upright  in  his  chimney,  he 
was  exceedingly  enraged.  The  purveyor  had  frequentiy  lost 
part  of  his  stores,  and  not  doubting  but  that  he  had  now  de- 
tected the  thief,  he  resolved  to  punish  him  severely.  Ho  caned 
therefore  the  supposed  culprit  very  heartily ; but  as  he  neither 
moved  nor  cried  out,  he  left  off  beating  him,  and  hoMing  up 
the  light,  perceived  that  he  was  dead.  Terror  now  almost 
deprived  the  purveyor  of  his  senses.  He  questioned  not  but 
that  the  man  was  killed  by  his  blows  ; and  he  well  knew  the 
punishment  he  must  expect  if  he  w^as  discovered. 

To  avoid  this,  he  waited  till  an  hour  after  midnight,  and 
when  everything  was  still  in  the  streets,  took  the  body  on  his 
back,  with  many  execrations,  and  conveyed  it  to  the  door  of  a 
shop  a little  distance  off ; where,  placing  Hunchback  on  his 
feet,  he  left  him,  and  flew  back  to  his  owm  house,  fortunately 
without  meeting  a person. 

A few  minutes  before  daybreak,  a Christian  merchant 
who  had  been  up  all  night,  debauching,  passed  by  that  way. 
Though  he  w^as  drunk,  he  knew  the  time  drew  near  when  peo- 
ple are  called  to  early  prayers,  and  that  he  was  liable  to  pun- 
ishment for  being  found  in  the  street  in  that  condition.  Seeing 
the  patrol  approaching,  he  sought  to  conceal  himself  by  stand- 
ing up  close  to  the  same  shop-door  where  the  purveyor  had 
left  Hunchback.  The  body  being  jostled  by  the  merchant, 
tumbled  upon  him ; and  the  Christian  supposing  it  was  a thief, 
threw  him  down,  fell  upon  him,  and  continued  beating  him, 
crying  out,  “ Thieves  ! ’’ 

The  outcry  alarmed  the  watch,  who  came  up  immediately, 
and  finding  a Christian  beating  a Mussulman,  demanded  the 
meaning  of  such  an  outrage.  ‘‘  He  would  have  robbed  me,’’ 
replied  the  merchant,  and  jumped  upon  me,  with  intent  to 
take  me  by  the  throat.”  You  seem,”  said  the  officer,  ‘‘  to 
have  sufficiently  revenged  yourself ; come,  get  off  him,” — at 
the  same  time  stooping  to  raise  Hunchback,  he  found  that  he 
was  dead.  “ Ah  ! ” exclaimed  he,  “ is  it  thus  that  a Christian 
dares  to  assassinate  a Turk  1 ” Saying  this,  he  seized  the 
merchant  and  dragged  him  to  prison,  till  the  judge  was  ready 
to  examine  him. 

A sense  of  his  danger  soon  dissipated  the  fumes  of  the 
liquor ; but  the  more  the  Christian  was  capable  of  thought, 
the  less  he  could  account  how  the  few  blows  he  had  struck 
could  have  been  fatal,  or  contrive  how  he  should  excuse  him- 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


119 


self  to  the  magistrate,  after  having  accused  the  defunct  with 
attempting  to  rob  him.  In  the  morning  the  judge  heard  the 
relation  of  the  patrol,  and  as  the  deceased  was  one  of  the 
royal  buffoons,  he  thought  it  his  duty  to  report  the  matter  to 
the  sultan.  That  prince,  enraged  at  the  death  of  his  jester, 
and  at  the  boldness  of  the  Christian  in  killing  a Turk,  ordered 
him  to  be  instantly  hanged. 

The  merchant  was  led  out  accordingly,  tied  to  the  gibbet, 
and  notwithstanding  his  outcries  and  protestations  of  inno- 
cence, was  just  about  to  be  put  to  death,  when  the  purveyor 
came  up  to  the  judge  and  owned  himself  the  murderer.  While 
the  officer  was  considering  what  measures  to  pursue,  the  Jewish 
doctor  arrived,  and  exculpated  the  purveyor ; and  presently 
after,  the  tailor  took  the  guilt  from  the  Jew,  by  relating  the 
manner  of  Hunchback’s  death.  The  judge  conveyed  all  the 
parties  before  the  sultan,  who  heard  their  sgveral  accounts 
with  amazement,  and  addressing  himself  to  the  viziers  and 
emirs  of  his  court,  demanded  if  they  had  ever  heard  of  so 
strange  an  event ; on  which  the  Christian  merchant,  prostra^ 
ting  himself,  declared  that  he  could  relate  a story  still  mor^ 
wonderful.  The  sultan,  desirous  to  hear  it  directed  him  to  d^ 
so.  He  obeyed  thus  : — 


THE  STORY  TOLD  BY  THE  CHRISTIAN  MERCHANT 

T am  a stranger  born  at  Cairo,  where,  at  my  father’s  death, 
I succeeded  to  his  business,  as  a very  considerable  broker. 
One  well  a*"  I was  standing  i.n  the  public  corn-market,  a young 
man,  day,  dressed,  came  to  me,  and  producing  a sample  of 
sesame  and  Turkey  corn,  desired  me  to  sell  for  him  a hundred 
and  fifty  bushels  of  it  at  the  best  price  I could  get.  I pres- 
ently found  a purchaser  at  a hundred  and  ten  drachms  of  silver 
each  bushel.  The  young  man  was  well  pleased  with  my  bar- 
gain, and  when  the  corn  was  delivered,  I would  have  paid  him 
the  money,  but  he  declined  to  take  it  then  and  went  away, 
leaving  the  whole  produce  of  his  corn  in  my  hands. 

I frequently  saw  him  afterwards  and  urged  him  to  receive 
his  money,  but  he  always  evaded  it.  At  last  he  stayed  away 
for  a whole  year ; and  when  he  came  he  was  dressed  richeff 
than  usual,  but  he  was  very  thoughtful.  I pressed  him  as 
fore  to  take  his  money^  and  added  3.n  earnest  invitation  foi 
him  to  enter  my  house  and  dine  with  % which  at  length  he 
complied  with. 


120 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,- 


At  dinner  1 perceived  my  guest  fed  himself  with  his  left  hand. 
I could  not  conceive  the  cause  of  his  treating  me  so  contemptu- 
ously. I restrained  myself  till  we  had  dined,  when  presenting 
him  with  some  lozenges,  which  he  took  in  the  same  manner,  I 
entreated  him  to  explain  the  mystery  to  me.  After  dropping  a 
tear,  he  drew  back  his  garment,  and  producing  his  right  arm, 
I saw  it  was  without  a hand.  I was  so  shocked  at  this  dis- 
covery, that  I sat  in  silence.  The  young  man  having  recov- 
ered from  his  confusion,  addressed  himself  to  me  nearly  as 
follows : — 

The  good  opinion  I have  formed  of  you,  induces  me  to 
reveal  my  misfortune  to  you,  and  the  cause  of  it. 

“ I am  a native  of  Bagdad.  On  the  death  of  my  father,  who 
was  a considerable  merchant,  I resolved  to  travel.  Accord- 
ingly I packed  up  many  bales  of  rich  stuffs  and  other  valuable 
merchandise,  and  arrived  safely  with  them  here.  But  when  I 
exposed  them  for  sale,  the  merchants,  thinking  to  take  advan- 
tage of  my  youth  and  inexperience,  did  not  bid  me  the  first 
cost.  One  of  the  criers  of  the  Bezestein  perceiving  how  much 
I was  vexed  at  this  treatment,  advised  me  to  divide  my  goods 
among  the  dealers,  who  would  sell  them  on  my  account  and 
settle  with  me  twice  a week.  I followed  this  advice,  which 
proved  very  useful  to  me. 

“ One  morning,  as  I sat  in  a dealer’s  shop,  a lady  came  in 
and  sat  down  by  me.  I was  much  taken  with  her  graceful  car- 
riage and  fine  form,  and  gazed  at  her  with  great  attention.  She 
observed  this,  and  under  pretence  of  adjusting  her  veil,  she 
contrived  to  let  me  see  her  face,  which  was  so  beautiful,  that 
she  entirely  completed  the  conquest  of  my  heart.  She  desired 
the  shopkeeper  to  show  her  some  gold  stuffs,  and  I was  happy 
to  see  her  fix  on  one  of  mine.  She  agreed  with  him  for  the 
price,  but  not  having  money  enough  in  her  purse  to  pay  for  it, 
she  wished  to  take  it  home,  and  promised  to  return  next  day 
with  the  money.  This  the  dealer  refused.  I put  an  end  to 
the  dispute,  by  entreating  the  lady  to  accept  the  piece  of  stuff, 
which  she  would  only  do  on  condition  that  I would  meet  her 
next  day  and  receive  the  'money  for  it.  To  this  I was  forced 
to  consent,  and  when  the  lady  withdrew  she  thanked  me  in  the 
most  engaging  manner  for  my  civility  ; adding,  ‘ May  God  r-e- 
ward  you  in  enlarging  your  fortune  ! may  you  live  many  years 
when  I am  dead  ! may  the  gate  of  heaven  be  opened  to  you 
when  you  remove  to  the  other  world  ! and  may  all  the  city  pro- 
claim your  generosity  ! 

“ My  heart  became  at  once  entirely  attached  to  this  lovely 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  EN7TRTAINMEN7S. 


I2I 


woman.  I returned  home  in  great  agitation ; and  already 
began  to  wish  for  the  approach  of  the  next  day.  I could  neither 
eat  nor  sleep ; and  after  a night  which  seemed  the  longest  I 
had  ever  known,  I dressed  myself  with  particular  attention,  and 
hastened  to  the  shop.  The  lady  came  and  paid  me  the  money, 
after  which  we  entered  into  conversation.  I embraced  this 
opportunity  of  telling  her  how  much  I was  devoted  to  her  ; on 
which  she  was  overspread  with  blushes,  and  rising  hastily, 
though  without  showing  displeasure,  she  quitted  the  shop. 

I durst  not  venture  to  follow  her ; and  having  made  in- 
quiry of  the  shopkeeper  who  she  was  to  very  little  purpose,  1 
was  returning  home  pensively,  when  I felt  some  one  pull  my 
sleeve,  and  was  agreeably  surprised  to  see  it  was  the  lady’s 
slave.  She  whispered  me  softly  to  follow  her  at  a distance,  and 
led  me  to  a handsome  house  where  I found  her  mistress.  The 
lady  had  thrown  off  the  habit  usual  in  the  streets,  and  appeared 
richly  dressed,  and  so  charming  that,  if  I loved  her  before,  I 
adored  her  now.  She  apologized  for  having  left  me  so  abruptly  : 

‘ I did  not  think  fit,’  continued  she,  ‘ to  give  you  a favorable 
answer  in  the  hearing  of  the  shopkeeper,  but  to  deal  frankly 
with  you,  I think  myself  happy  to  have  a man  of  so  much 
merit  for  my  lover.’  I threw  myself  at  her  feet,  in  a transport  of 
joy  at  this  welcome  declaration  ; when  the  lady  raising  me  ten- 
derly, desired  me  to  enter  an  adjoining  apartment,  and  partake 
of  an  entertainment  she  had  prepared  for  me. 

‘‘  From  this  time  there  commenced  between  us  a most  ten- 
der and  intimate  union.  I passed  all  the  time  I could  spare 
from  my  serious  concerns  with  Margiana,  (for  so  was  the  lady 
called),  who  was  always  received  me  with  joy,  and  entertained 
me  splendidly.  As  I was  sensible  this  was  attended  with  great 
expense,  I used  to  leave  regularly  a purse  of  gold  on  the  sofa 
when  I came  away.  I continued  to  do  so  till  I had  sold  all  my 
goods,  when  I found  myself,  all  at  once,  without  money,  or  the 
means  of  obtaining  any. 

“ In  this  desperate  condition  I walked  out  of  my  lodging,  and 
careless  which  way  I went,  strolled  by  chance  towards  the  castle, 
where  there  was  a great  crowd  waiting  to  see  the  sultan.  Among 
them  was  a handsome  cavalier,  well  mounted,  who  had  upon 
the  bow  of  his  saddle  a bag  half  open,  with  a green  silk  string 
hanging  out,  which  I had  no  doubt  was  the  string  of  a purse. 
A porter  passing  by  on  the  other  side  with  a load  of  wood,  went 
so  near  the  gentleman  as  obliged  him  to  turn  his  head  that 
way,  to  avoid  being  rubbed  by  the  wood.  In  that  minute  did 
the  devil  tempt  me.  I seized  the  string  and  pulled  out  the  purse 


122 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


SO  dexterously,  that  none  of  the  bystanders  perceived  me,  and 
I had  the  satisfaction  to  feel  that  it  was  very  full  of  money. 

“ But  though  I had  escaped  the  notice  of  the  crowd  about 
me,  the  owner  of  the  purse  was  more  attentive.  No  sooner  was 
he  disengaged  from  the  porter,  than,  missing  his  purse,  he 
knocked  me  down.  This  violence  shocked  the  bystanders  ; 
some  of  whom  seized  his  bridle,  and  demanded  how  he  dared 
to  treat  a Mussulman  in  such  a manner.  ‘ I have  reason  enough,^ 
replied  he  briskly ; ‘ this  fellow  is  a thief.’  Every  one  took  my 
part  still  more,  saying  it  was  incredible  that  a young  man  of  my 
appearance  should  be  guilty  of  so  base  an  action.  But  while 
they  held  his  horse  to  favor  my  escape,  unfortunately  the  judi- 
ciary judge  came  by,  and  seeing  a crowd,  demanded  the  cause. 

“The  judge  heard  the  charge  against  me ; and  far  from 
suffering  the  opinions  of  the  bystanders  to  bias  him,  he  ordered 
me  to  be  searched ; when,  to  my  utter  confusion,  the  purse 
was  presently  found  and  exposed  to  the  view  of  all  the  people. 
My  shame  was  so  great  that  I swooned  away.  The  judge  re- 
stored the  purse  to  the  owner,  and,  on  my  recovery,  admonished 
me  to  confess  the  truth,  and  save  myself  from  the  torture.  I 
acknowledged  my  guilt ; and  the  judge  ordered  my  right  hand 
to  be  instantly  cut  off,  which  was  done  accordingly.  He  was 
proceeding  to  direct  my  foot  to  be  cut  off  also  ; but  the  cava- 
lier interceding  for  me,  he  permitted  me  to  depart  without  fur- 
ther punishment. 

“As  soon  as  the  judge  was  gone,  the  cavalier  presented  me 
with  the  fatal  purse,  saying,  ‘ I see  plainly  it  was  necessity  put 
you  on  an  action  so  unworthy  of  you,  and  I am  heartily  sorry  for 
your  misfortune.’  One  of  the  people  observing  I was  faint  with 
the  loss  of  blood,  and  overcome  with  grief  and  shame,  had  the 
charity  to  take  me  into  his  house,  where  he  caused  my  arm  to 
be  dressed,  and  gave  me  every  proper  refreshment. 

“ In  the  evening  I went  to  Margiana.  I expected  that  after 
so  infamous  a transaction  she  would  drive  me  from  her,  as 
utterly  unworthy  her  notice  ; but  knowing  it  was  impossible  to 
conceal  the  loss  of  my  hand,  I determined  to  meet  at  once  the 
utmost  of  my  misery.  On  my  arrival  I threw  myself  on  a sofa, 
overspent  with  weakness  and  sorrow.  Margiana,  hearing  ot 
my  arrival,  and  that  I was  indisposed,  hastened  to  me,  and  en- 
deavored to  comfort  me.  I answered  her  only  with  sighs  and 
tears  ; which  induced  her  to  fill  me  a large  cup  of  wine  and  en- 
treat me  to  drink  it.  ‘ You  are  too  much  dejected,’  said  she  ; 

‘ drink  this,  which  will  exhilarate  your  spirits^  and  then  explain 
to  me  the  cause  of  this  uncommon  sorrow.  ’ 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


125 

I held  out  my  left  hand  to  receive  the  cup,  and  the  neces- 
sity of  doing  so  increased  my  affliction.  Soon  after  the  fumes 
of  the  wine,  added  to  my  fatigue  and  weakness,  overcome  me, 
and  I fell  into  a deep  sleep  which  lasted  until  morning.  While 
I slept,  Margiana  lifted  up  my  cloak,  and  seeing  me  without  my 
right  hand,  was  at  no  loss  to  account  for  my  distress.  In  the 
morning  she  would  not  suffer  me  to  depart,  but  attended  me  in 
person  till  I was  completely  recovered.  She  then  led  me  to  a 
large  trunk,  which  she  opened,  raying,  ‘ Here  are  all  the  purses 
you  Have  left  with  me  ; I have  not  touched  one  of  them  ; would 
to  Heaven  you  had  placed  so  much  confidence  in  me  as  to  have 
explained  your  situation.  Th^^se  I insist  on  your  receiving 
again,  and  as  I feel  I cannot  survive  the  disgrace  I have  brought 
upon  you,  I will  send  for  a notary,  and  leave  you  my  whole  for- 
tune, which  is  very  considerabl<^d 

‘‘  She  made  her  will  accordingly  ; nor  could  my  utmost  ten- 
derness prevent  her  sinking,  fks  she  he\d  foretold,  under  the 
sense  of  my  misfortune.  She  languished  a few  weeks,  and  then  ♦ 
expired  in  my  arms.’’ 

The  sultan  of  Casgar  was  displeased  with  the  presumption 
of  the  Christian  merchant  in  comparing  this  story  to  that  of  the 
little  Hunchback  ; which  the  purveyor  seeing,  he  entreated  per- 
mission to  relate  a story  more  worthy  the  ear  of  the  sultan. 


THE  STORY  TOLP  BY  THE  PURVEYOR. 

I was  yesterday  invited  to  a sumptuous  entertainment,  one 
course  of  which  was  served  up  with  garlic  sauce  so  excellent, 
that  all  the  company  extolled  it  except  one,  who  declined  to 
partake  of  it ; the  master  of  tKe  house  recommending  it  to  him, 
he  replied,  ‘‘  I remember  too  well  what  the  tasting  of  such  a 
dish  once  cost  me.  Yet  if  you  persist  in  urging  me,  I will  com- 
ply, provided  you  will  permit  me  to  wash  my  hands  forty  times 
with  alkali,  forty  times  with  ashes  of  the  same  plant,  and  forty 
times  with  soap.”  The  curiosity  of  our  host  being  now  excited, 
he  pressed  his  guest  more  earnestly  ; aud  ordered  his  servants 
to  provide  the  necessaries  for  this  extraordinary  ablution.  The 
visitor,  who  was  a merchant,  submitted,  though  with  evident 
displeasure.  He  put  a little  garlic  to  his  mouth,  trembling,  and 
ate  it  with  great  reluctance  ; after  ^hich  he  arose,  and  washed 
his  hands  as  he  had  conditioned  t^  do.  We  were  all  surprised 
at  this  scene,  and  the  more  so,  ^ We  percehH‘d  the  merchant 
had  lost  both  his  thumbs. 


124 


ARABIAAT  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


When  the  washings  were  over,  the  master  of  the  house 
apologized  to  his  guest,  and  besought  him  to  take  his  seat  again 
at  the  table,  and  inform  the  company  why  he  had  such  an  aver- 
sion to  garlic,  and  also  how  he  became  thus  maimed.  The 
merchant  with  great  good-nature  complied. 

“ I was  born,^’  said  he,  “ at  Bagdad  ; my  father  was  esteem- 
ed one  of  the  richest  merchants  of  the  city ; but  at  his  death,  it 
appeared  that  he  had  lived  too  expensively ; I had  scarce  enough 
left  to  pay  his  debts  and  bury  him.  Though  I found  myself 
poor,  when  I expected  the  contrary,  I did  not  suffer  my  spirits 
to  be  dejected ; but  took  a shop,  and  by  industry  and  care,  my 
little  fortune  began  to  increase  beyond  my  hope. 

‘‘  One  day  a lady  attended  by  a eunuch  and  two  female 
slaves  came  into  my  shop,  and  desired  to  see  some  of  the 
richest  and  finest  stuffs.  I modestly  told  her  that  I was  not 
rich  enough  to  deal  in  such  expensive  goods  ; but  added,  if  she 
chose  to  stay  in  my  shop  till  the  merchant  came,  I would  fetch 
what  she  wanted  at  the  lowest  price.  She  accepted  my  offer, 
and  as  there  were  very  few  people  in  the  bezestein,  she  threw 
off  her  veil,  for  the  benefit  of  the  air,  and  conversed  with  me 
very  affably.  Her  wit  and  beauty  so  charmed  me,  that  I be- 
came deeply  enamored ; and  when  she  took  away  with  her  as 
many  goods,  which  I had  procured,  as  came  to  five  thousand 
drachms  of  silver,  I gazed  after  her  as  long  as  she  continued 
in  sight,  without  once  considering  that  she  had  not  paid  for 
them. 

‘‘  The  merchants  soon  awaked  me  from  this  reverie,  by  call- 
ing for  their  money.  I pretended  to  know  the  lady,  and  re- 
quested credit  for  eight  days,  which  they  agreed  to.  The  time 
I passed  very  uneasily,  but  on  the  morning  of  the  eighth  day  I 
had  the  pleasure  to  see  the  lady  enter  the  bezestein,  and  come 
directly  to  my  shop.  She  paid*  me  for  the  goods,  and  entered 
into  conversation  with  me  for  a long  time  ; after  which  she 
desired  me  to  procure  other  rich  goods,  of  which  she  took  away 
as  many  as  came  to  a thousand  pieces  of  gold. 

A month  elapsed  without  my  seeing  the  lady  again  ; and 
though  the  merchants,  pleased  with  my  former  punctuality, 
were  more  patient  than  I could  have  hoped  for,  yet  at  last  they 
became  clamorous.  I was  so  attached  to  her,  that  ruin  itself, 
arising  from  her,  was  scarcely  unwelcome.  I had  prepared 
myself  for  the  worst,  and  hourly  expected  it,  when  the  lady 
came  and  paid  me  the  money  I stood  engaged  for. 

“ I was  in  such  haste  to  pay  my  debts,  that  I requested  her 
to  excuse  my  absence  for  a few  moments  ; on  which  she  said 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


125 

to  the  eunuch,  ‘ Let  us  have  your  interposition  io  accommodate 
our  matters.’  The  eunuch  laughed,  and  followed  me.  As  we 
walked,  he  told  me  he  saw  by  my  eyes  how  much  I loved  the 
lady.  ‘ She,’  continued  he,  ‘ is  no  less  pleased  with  you,  and 
commissioned  me  to  tell  you  that  she  is  ready  to  become  your 
wife  if  you  desire  it.’  I received  this  news  with  transport. 
On  our  return,  he  told  the  lady  I was  satisfied  ; on  which  she 
arose,  and  telling  me,  with  a smile,  I should  hear  from  her 
soon,  withdrew. 

“ Some  days  after,  the  eunuch  came  alone,  and  acquainted 
me  that  the  lady  was  a favorite  of  Zobeide,  the  caliph’s  sultana, 
who  had  brought  her  up  from  her  infancy.  ‘ She  has  told 
Zobeide,’  added  he,  ‘ of  her  intended  marriage,  and  that  beau- 
tiful princess  will  provide  liberally  for  you  both ; but  she 
wishes  to  see  you  before  the  marriage  takes  place.  Have  you 
courage  to  venture  being  introduced  into  the  ladies’  apartments 
m the  palace,  where  you  know  men  are  not  allowed  to  enter ; 
and  in  which,  if  we  fail,  your  life  is  at  an  encT?  ’ ‘ I am  ready,’ 

exclaimed  I,  ‘ to  hazard'  anything  for  such  an  angel.’  ‘ Meet 
me,  then,’  replied  the  eunuch,  ‘ this  evening  at  the  mosque  on 
the  banks  of  the  Tigris.’ 

‘‘  I did  not  fail  to  attend  at  the  time  appointed.  When  I 
arrived  at  the  mosque,  I found  some  men  bringing  in  several 
large  trunks.  In  a short  time  they  all  withdrew  except  one, 
whom  I soon  found  to  be  my  friendly  eunuch.  At  the  same 
instant  the  lady  entered  at  another  door.  I would  have  thrown 
myself  at  her  feet,  but  she  prevented  me.  ‘ We  have  no  time 
for  compliments,’  said  she  ; ‘ get  into  one  of  these  trunks, 
and  leave  the  management  of  this  affair  to  me.’  I obeyed, 
trembling ; and  presently  all  the  trunks  were  conveyed  to 
a boat,  and  rowed  down  the  Tigris  to  the  water-gate  of  the 
palace. 

“ On  our  arrival,  the  trunks  were  carried  into  the  apartment 
of  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs ; who  having  retired  to  rest,  was 
obliged  to  rise,  as  nothing  could  be  carried  into  the  palace 
without  his  inspection.  The  crabbed  old  man,  displeased  at 
being  disturbed,  resolved  to  execute  his  office  with  severity. 
‘I  will  have,’  said  he,  ‘all  these  trunks  opened,  before  I suffer 
them  to  pass.’  At  the  same  time  he  commanded  the  eunuchs 
to  bring  them  before  him,  and  began  with  the  one  in  which 
I lay. 

“ The  favorite  lady,  however,  was  not  easily  daunted. 

‘ Everything  in  these  trunks,’ said  she,  ‘belongs  to  our  mis- 
tress. That  in  particular  contains  bottles  of  the  sacred  Zem- 


126 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


zem  * water,  sent  from  Mecca  for  use.  Should  any  accident 
happen  to  them  from  your  impertinent  obstinacy,  prepare  to 
abide  by  the  consequences,  as  I shall  not  fail  to  report  your 
conduct  to  Zobeide.’  The  eunuch,  intimidated  by  this  spirited 
behavior,  gave  up  the  point,  and  suffered  us  to  pass  without 
further  interruption. 

The  trunks  were  now  carried  into  the  apartments  of 
Zobeide,  but  were  scarcely  deposited,  when  the  caliph  appeared. 
He  asked  what  they  contained,  and  was  told  rich  stuffs  for  the 
sultana ; upon  which  he  desired  to  see  them.  In  vain  the 
the  favorite  lady  pleaded  her  mistress’ orders,  not  to  have  them 
opened.  ‘ I will  undertake  to  reconcile  her  to  you,’  said  the 
caliph  j ‘ in  the  mean  time  I will  be  obeyed.’ 

“ Fortunately  the  other  trunks  did  contain  rich  apparel  and 
trinkets ; these  the  favorite  displayed,  and  with  much  pro- 
lixity, pointed  out  their  several  excellences  to  the  caliph.  At 
last  they  were  all  opened  except  the  trunk  in  which  I was  con- 
cealed, The  favorite  ordered  three  eunuchs  to  take  them  away, 
but  the  caliph  remembered  there  was  one  he  had  not  examined, 
and  directed  that  to  be  opened  also.  The  favorite  appeared 
ready  to  obey.  She  even  unlocked  it.  I shudder  now,  at 
remembering  the  terrors  I felt  at  that  moment.  But,  as  if  rec- 
collecting  herself,  she  entreated  the  caliph  to  excuse  her,  as 
that  trunk  contained  some  articles  she  particularly  wished  to 
remain  as  they  were  till  Zobeide  had  seen  them.  The  caliph, 
pleased  with  her  former  compliance,  and  tired  with  the  survey, 
admitted  her  apology ; the  trunk  was  again  locked,  and  I was 
conveyed  in  safety  to  another  apartment. 

“The  favorite  lady  came  very  shortly  and  released  me. 
* You  are  now,’  said  she,  Hn  perfect  safety.  I shared  in  your 
alarm,  and,  indeed,  in  your  danger;  since,  had  you  been  dis- 
covered, our  fate  would  have  been  the  same.  To-morrow  I 
will  introduce  you  to  the  princess.  Be  of  good  courage,’  con- 
tinued she  ; ^ I repeat  that  you  are  perfectly  safe  here.  I will^ 
order  you  proper  refreshments,  but  cannot  see  you  any  more 
this  evening.’ 

“ In  the  morning  I was  introduced  to  Zobeide,  who  after  a 
long  conversation,  dismissed  me,  saying,  ‘ I am  glad  that  my 
daughter  (as  she  tenderly  called  her  favorite)  has  made  so  good 
a choice  ; I consent  to  your  marriage,  which  shall  be  solemnized 
here  ; you  may  remain,  and  I will  inform  the  caliph  of  your 

^ There  is  a fountain  at  Mecca  which  the  Mohammedans  believe  was  the  spring  which 
God  showed  to  Hagar,  after  Abraham  was  obliged  to  put  her  away  ; this  water^  is  called 
Zemzem  water,  and  is  drank  by  way  of  devotion.  It  is  sent  in  presents  to  princes  and 
great  men. 


ARAB/AN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


127 


situation.  Accordingly,  at  the  end  of  ten  days,  our  nuptials 
were  celebrated  with  great  state.  A noble  feast  was  prepared, 
at  which,  among  other  delicacies,  was  a ragout  with  garlic,  of 
which  I ate  heartily ; but  unfortunately,  when  I arose  from  the 
table,  I only  wiped  my  hands  instead  of  washing  them. 

“ In  the  evening  the  apartments  were  lit  up  with  the  utmost 
magnificence.  My  bride  and  I were  introduced  into  a great 
hall,  and  seated  upon  two  thrones.  We  had  a grand  concert 
of  music  \ after  which  the  women  who  attended  her  changed 
her  dress,  and  painted  her  face  with  different  sorts  of  colors, 
according  to  the  usual  custom  on  wedding-days  ; and  every  time 
she  changed  her  habit  they  presented  her  to  me.  In  the  even- 
ing we  were  conducted  to  the  nuptial  chamber,  where,  when 
the  company  retired,  I approachedt  o embrace  my  wife  \ but 
instead  of  receiving  me  with  transport,  she  pushed  me  from 
her,  and  cried  out  loudly.  The  ladies,  who  had  not  withdrawn 
far,  came  running  into  the  chamber  to  know  the  cause,  while  I 
stood  like  one  thunderstruck.  ‘ Take  away,’  said  she,  ‘ that 
vile  fellow  out  of  my  sight.’  ‘ Alas  ! ’ replied  I,  ‘ how  nave  I 
incurred  your  displeasure  ’ ‘Wretch  i ’ said  she,  ‘have  you  * 
not  neglected  to  wash  your  hands  after  eating  garlic?  but  I 
will  punish  your  disrespect  as  it  deserves.’  She  then  directed 
her  slaves  to  strip  me,  and  I received  from  them  a furious 
bastinadoing,  after  which  she  ordered  my  hands  and  fee^  he 
cut  off. 

“ I was  terrified  at  this  severe  sentence,  and  cried  out,  Is 
it  not  enough  to  be  thus  disgraced  and  unmercirully  beaten,  but 
I must  lose  my  hands  and  feet  also,  for  eating  a ragout  of  gar- 
lic, and  forgetting  to  wash  my  hands  after  it  ? Plague  on  the 
ragout ! plague  the  cook  that  dressed  it  ! and  may  he  be  equally 
unhappy  that  served  it  up  ! ’ The  ladies  took  pity  on  me,  and 
interceded  for  me ; but  they  could  only  prevail  with  my  wife  to 
be  satisfied  with  cutting  off  my  thumbs  and  great  toes,  which 
was  immediately  done. 

“ Through  vexation  and  loss  of  blood  I fainted.  When  I 
revived,  I found  no  one  with  me  but  an  old  woman,  who 
attended  me  with  tolerable  care,  till  I recovered.  Notwith- 
standing this  harsh  treatment,  I still  loved  my  wife  ; I sent  the 
most  pressing  entreaties  to  be  admitted  once  more  into  her 
presence  ; after  many  refusals  she  yielded.  I apologized  to 
her  for  my  indiscretion,  and  solemnlv  swore,  if  ever  I ate  garlic 
again,  I would  wash  my  hands  in  the  manner  you  have  seen. 
Upon  th’s  the  lady  forgave  me,  and  consented  to  receive  me  as 
her  husband. 


128 


ARABIAAT  NIGMTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


‘‘  We  continued  some  time  in  the  apartments  of  Zobeide, 
from  whose  bounty  we  received  a present  of  fifty  thousand 
sequins  ; and  notwithstanding  our  rough  outset,  my  wife  and  I 
lived  together  in  the  utmost  harmony  for  about  a year,  when  she 
fell  sick  and  died.  It  was  to  divert  my  melancholy  for  her  loss 
that  induced  me  to  travel  hither.” 

This  story,”  said  the  caliph,  “ is  truly  singular,  but  not 
equal  to  that  of  poor  Hunchback.”  Upon  which  the  Jewish 
doctor  asked  leave  to  relate  one  j which  being  granted,  he  pro 
ceeded  thus  • 


THE  STORY  TOLD  BY  THE  JEWISH  PHYSICIAN. 

Some  time  ago  I w^as  sent  for  to  attend  a patient  in  the 
family  of  the  governor  of  Damascus.  I was  introduced  to  a 
young  man,  of  good  mien,  but  much  dejected  ; on  requesting  to 
feel  his  pulse,  he  presented  me  with  his  left  hand,  I was  about 
to  resent  the  indignity,  but  finding  he  was  very  ill,  I suppressed 
my  displeasure,  and  prescribed  such  medicines  as  I thought 
necessary. 

He  recovered  very  fast  under  my  care ; yet  still,  as  often  as 
[ had  occasion  to  feel  his  pulse,  he  continued  to  present  his 
left  hand.  On  the  tenth  day  I ordered  bathing,  and  was  about 
to  take  my  leave ; but  my  patient  requested  I would  attend 
him  to  the  bath.  I complied  \ and  when  he  began  to  undress, 
I perceived  that  his  right  hand  had  been  lately  cut  off.  I 
suppose  my  looks  expressed  much  surprise  ; for,  after  bathings 
the  young  man  led  me  to  a saloon,  and  addressed  me  thus  : 

“ I am  so  much  indebted  to  your  abilities  for  my  speedy 
recovery,  that  I cannot  refuse  you  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
by  what  accident  I became  thus  mutilated,  and  which,  in  truth 
was  the  cause  of  the  disorder  from  which  you  have  relieved  me. 

was  born  at  Moussoul;  my  father  was  the  eldest  of  ten 
brothers,  all  of  them  merchants.  As  I was  an  only  son,  and 
none  of  my  uncles  had  children,  I was  much  caressed  by  them 
all  ; and  was  earlier  than  usual  introduced  into  the  company  of 
men.  One  day  my  father  and  his  brothers  were  talking  about 
Egypt,  and  Cairo  its  capital.  They  were  all  eloquent  in  its 
praise.  ‘ In  that  happy  country,’  said  my  father,  ‘ the  bounty 
of  nature  is  most  abundant  \ the  wonders  of  human  art  are 
innumerable.  The  redundancy  of  the  Nile  renders  the  land  at 
once  beautiful  and  fertile.  The  inhabitants  are  more  polished, 
the  women  in  particular  are  more  agreeable  and  beautiful,  than 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


129 


in  any  other  city.  If  you  view  the  pyramids,  those  monuments 
of  ancient  magnificence,  you  are  astonished  : these  buildings 
are  at  once  proofs  of  the  riches  of  the  Pharaohs  who  built  them 
and  of  the  abilities  of  the  artists  of  that  early  period ; for 
though  the  time  of  the  erection  is  so  far  back  that  the  learned 
can  only  conjecture  when  it  was,  yet  they  remain  perfect  to  this 
day,  and  probably  will  do  so  for  ages  to  come.  Nor  are  the 
instances  of  modern  ingenuity  less  interesting.  In  short,  the 
commerce,  the  riches,  the  number  and  variety  of  strangers  to 
be  found  there,  justify  the  proverb,  that  he  that  hath  not  seen 
Egypt,  hath  not  seen  the  greatest  sight  in  the  world.’ 

‘‘  I listened  to  this  eulogium  with  much  attention,  and 
from  that  time  nothing  employed  my  thoughts  but  a journey  to 
Cairo.  Fortunately  some  of  my  uncles  were  seized  with  the 
same  desire.  I immediately  became  importunate  with  my 
father  for  permission  to  join  the  caravan.  For  a long  time  I 
sued  in  vain ; but  my  uncles  pressing  the  same  request,  my 
father  agreed  to  a part  of  my  desire.  He  allowed  me  to  go  as 
far  as  Damascus,  on  condition  I should  wait  there  for  my 
uncles’  return  from  Egypt ; and  that  I might  not  be  without 
employ,  he  gave  me  a cargo  of  goods  suited  to  that  market,  to 
dispose  of  for  my  own  profit. 

“ When  we  arrived  at  Damascus,  my  uncles  took  a house  for 
me,  and  introduced  me  to  the  principal  merchants.  After  their 
departure  I applied  myself  to  business  with  great  diligence  and 
success.  The  prudence  of  my  conduct  endeared  me  to  my 
new  friends,  and  I became  every  day  more  wealthy  and  more 
respected. 

“ My  tranquillity  was  at  last  destroyed  by  a singular  acci- 
dent. I became  acquainted  with  a very  beautiful  lady,  who 
used  to  come  occasionally  and  sup  with  me.  I attached  myself 
to  her  with  all  the  eagerness  of  affection  so  natural  to  youth 
and  inexperience.  One  evening  she  began  to  discourse  with  me 
on  the  power  of  beauty.  I was  declaring  how  immovably  my 
heart  was  fixed  on  her,  when  she  interrupted  me,  and  said,  with 
an  enchanting  smile,  ‘ We  shall  soon  see  this  boasted  constancy 
tried.  A particular  friend  of  mine  hath  long  wished  to  see  you ; 
I have  undertaken  to  introduce  her : but  I forewarn  you  to 
guard  your  heart.  Her  beauty  far  exceeds  mine,  and  her  wit 
and  vivacity  make  her  almost  irresistible  ; yet  I have  no  design 
of  resigning  you  to  her ; beware,  therefore,  for  I am  going  to 
put  your  heart  to  a strange  trial.’ 

“ A few  evenings  after,  the  two  ladies  paid  me  a visit.  I 
soon  found  my  friend  had  not  said  too  much  of  her  companion’s 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


130 

charms.  If  I had  been  pleased  with  the  one,  I was  enraptured 
with  the  other.  I received  them  with  all  the  politeness  in  my 
power,  and  invited  them  to  take  part  of  a collation  I had  pre- 
pared ; but  I did  this  with  so  much  emotion,  that  my  former 
acquaintance  laughingly  declared  I was  already  unfaithful. 

“ During  supper  I sat  opposite  my  new  visitor,  who  displayed 
her  charms  as  if  on  purpose  to  captivate  me.  But  by  inspiring 
me,  she  took  fire  also  herself : her  eyes  answered  mine,  in  a 
language  very  easily  understood  by  lovers  ; and  when  the  wine 
had  circulated  a little,  we  each  incautiously  suffered  our  nev. 
passion  to  appear  unrestrained. 

My  first  acquaintance  continued  to  rally  us  with  great  good- 
humor,  laughing  chiefly  at  me,  and  repeating  my  former  pro- 
testations. By  degrees  this  pleasantry  subsided  : she  became 
first  peevish,  and  then  sullen.  At  length,  having  sat  silent  a 
considerable  time,  she  arose  and  went  out  of  the  room.  A few 
moments  after,  the  other  lady  fell  into  convulsions,  and 
expired  in  my  arms  while  I was  calling  for  assistance.  In  the 
midst  of  my  alarm  and  confusion,  I inquired  for  the  lady  who 
had  withdrawn,  and  I found  she  had  left  the  1 ouse.  I then 
suspected,  what  was  certainly  the  case,  that,  instijated  by  rage 
and  jealousy,  she  had  conveyed  poison  into  her  l/iend’s  wine, 
which  she  had  just  before  poured  out  for  her. 

I was  excessively  afflicted  at  this  fatal  accident,  and  a 
good  deal  alarmed  for  the  consequences  that  might  probably 
follow  from  it.  To  avoid  the  latter,  I ordered  my  servants  (who 
fortunately  were  the  same  I had  brought  from  Moussoul)  to 
take  up  the  pavement  in  the  yard,  and  inter  the  body.  In  the 
morning  I was  ready  for  a journey.  I sent  for  my  landlord,  and 
told  him  particular  business  obliged  me  to  follow  my  uncles  to 
Cairo.  I paid  him  a year’s  rent  in  advance,  and  affixed  my 
seal  to  the  door  of  the  house.  I then  set  out  for  Cairo,  attended 
by  all  my  domestics. 

“ I continued  three  years  in  that  city,  taking  care  regu- 
larly to  send  my  rent  to  my  landlord.  At  last  I determined  to 
return  home,  and  arriving  in  my  way  at  Damascus,  took  posses- 
sion of  my  former  habitation. 

“ In  cleaning  out  the  room  where  I used  to  eat,  one  of  my 
servants  found  a beautiful  pearl  necklace,  which  I imme- 
diately knew  was  worn  by  the  lady  who  had  so  unfortunately 
perished  in  my  arms.  I shed  many  tears  over  it ; and  resolved 
to  remain  a few  days  at  Damascus,  to  indulge  the  melancholy 
sensations  which  this  accident  revived.  After  some  time  my 
cash  was  nearly  exhausted ; and  as  I found  the  sight  of  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


*31 

necklace  only  contributed  to  make  me  wretched,  I determined 
to  part  with  it,  instead  of  carrying  any  of  my  own  goods  to 
market. 

“ I went  accordingly  to  the  bezestein,  and  employed  a crier 
to  show  it  to  the  jewellers.  After  a time  he  returned  and  told 
me  that  the  pearls  had  been  examined,  and  proved  to  be  false, 
and  that  the  utmost  he  could  get  for  it  was  fifty  sherifs. 

“ As  I was  entirely  ignorant  of  its  value,  I ordered  the  crier 
to  sell  it  and  bring  me  the  money.  I waited  some  time  for 
his  return,  and  when  he  came,  there  were  several  people  with 
him,  one  of  whom  was  the  judiciary  judge,  who  asked  me  if 
that  necklace  was  mine,  and  if  I had  offered  it  for  fifty  sherifs  ? 
On  my  admitting  this,  another  person,  who  was  a jeweller,  said 
to  the  judge,  ‘You  see,  my  lord,  my  charge  is  true  ; the  neck- 
lace is  mine.  The  pearls  alone  are  worth  two  thousand  sherifs, 
and  this  young  fellow  offering  to  take  fifty  for  it,  is  a full  proof 
that  he  stole  it.’  The  judge  having  satisfied  himself  as  to  the 
real  value  of  the  pearls,  ordered  me  to  be  bastinadoed  till  I con- 
fessed how  I came  by  it.  This  was  instantly  done  with  so 
much  severity,  that,  overcome  with  the  torture,  I confessed  the 
charge;  on  which  the  judge  delivered  the  necklace  to  the 
jeweller,  and  ordered  my  right  hand  to  be  cut  off. 

“ This  sentervce  was  executed  on  the  spot,  after  which  I was 
set  at  liberty.  I returned  home,  overcome  with  shame  and 
sorrow.  My  landlord,  who  had  heard  of  my  misfortune,  came 
and  condoled  with  me  ; but  concluded  his  discourse  by  telling 
me,  that,  as  I had  brought  myself  to  so  much  infamy,  I must 
immediately  quit  his  house  ; nor  was  it  without  great  difficulty 
I could  prevail  with  him  to  let  me  stay  three  days. 

“ I felt  now  still  more  severely  the  disgrace  which  had  be- 
fallen me  ; and  my  grief  was  aggravated  by  considering  the  ap- 
pearance I should  make  before  my  father  and  my  uncles. 
While  I was  revolving  these  tormenting  ideas,  my  house  was 
surrounded  by  the  officers  of  justice,  attended  by  a great  crowd 
of  people,  at  the  head  of  which  was  the  jeweller  who  had  so 
falsely  accused  me.  They  forced  open  the  doors,  seized  and 
bound  me,  reviling  and  execrating  me  all  the  time  in  the  harsh- 
est terms.  For  some  time  I demanded  in  vain  the  cause  of 
this  violence ; at  length  I was  told  that  the  necklace  I had 
stolen  was  the  property  of  the  governor,  whose  daughter  had 
been  missing  above  three  years,  and  had  that  necklace  on  when 
she  was  last  seen, 

“ On  hearing  this,  1 gave  myself  up  for  lost.  Despair  sup- 
plied the  place  of  courage.  My  life  was  become  natefui  to  me* 


132 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


I determined,  therefore,  to  relate  the  whole  truth  to  the  goven 
Yior,  and  to  meet  with  resolution  a fate  I hardly  wished  to  es- 
cape. When  I was  brought  before  him,  he  ordered  me  to  be 
unbound,  and  I observed  he  looked  upon  me  with  an  eye  of 
compassion.  ‘ Is  this  the  man,’  said  he  to  the  jeweller,  ‘ whom 
you  charged  with  having  stolen  this  necklace  ? ’ My  adversary 
durst  not  deny  it.  ‘ I know,’  replied  the  governor,  ‘he  is  falsely 
accused.’  Encouraged  by  this  declaration,  I avowed  my  inno- 
cence, protesting  that  the  confession  I had  made  was  extorted 
from  me  by  torture.  ‘ I am  ready,’  continued  I,  ‘ to  relate  how 
it  came  into  my  hands ; but  as  to  that  man,  whose  villany  has 
brought  me  into  such  disgrace,  I declare  1 never  saw  him  till 
this  fatal  day  ; nor  have  I the  least  reason  to  believe  the  neck- 
lace was  ever  seen  by  him  before.’  ‘ I know  enough  of  this 
matter  myself,’  replied  the  governor,  ‘ to  be  certain  of  your  in- 
nocence. Take  away,’  said  he,  ‘this  base  jeweller,  let  him 
undergo  the  same  punishment  he  hath  villanously  brought  upon 
this  poor  young  man,  to  whose  use  I confiscate  his  effects.' 

“ The  assembly  being  dismissed,  the  governor  withdrew 
with  me  into  a private  room,  where  he  desired  me  to  tell  him 
without  fear  how  I came  into  the  possession  of  the  necklace. 
I related  to  him  every  circumstance,  at  which  he  was  greatly 
affected.  ‘ Good  God  ! ’ said  he,  ‘ thy  judgments  are  incompre- 
hensible ; I receive  with  entire  submission  the  stroke  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  inflict  on  me.  Know,  my  child,’  said  he  to  me, 
‘ I am  the  father  of  the  two  young  ladies  you  have  been  speak- 
ing of. 

“ ‘ The  first  lady,  who  had  the  imprudence  to  come  to  your 
house,  was  my  eldest  daughter.  I had  given  her  in  marriage 
to  my  brother’s  son,  who  was  settled  in  Cairo.  At  his  death 
she  returned  home,  corrupted  with  all  manner  of  wickedness. 
The  lady  who  died  so  deplorably  in  your  arms,  was  a very  pru- 
dent young  woman  till  her  eldest  sister  returned  from  Egypt, 
who  made  her  insensibly  as  wicked  as  herself.  On  the  absence 
of  my  younger  daughter,  I made  all  possible  inquiry  after  her, 
to  no  purpose  ; and  I recollect  now,  that  from  that  time  my 
eldest  daughter  devoted  herself  to  sorrow  ; repenting  no  doubt 
of  her  jealous  fury,  she  denied  herself  all  manner  of  food,  and 
in  that  manner  put  an  end  to  her  wretched  life. 

“ ‘ Such,’  continued  the  governor,  ‘ is  the  state  of  man  ! 
such  the  calamities  from  which  no  rank  is  securer  ! But  to 
make  you  reparation  for  what  you  have  suffered  on  their  account, 
I will  give  you  in  marriage  the  only  child  I have  left,  who  is 
younger  and  more  beautiful  than  either  of  her  sisters.  You 


ARABIAN’  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


T33 


shall  have  no  other  house  but  mine  ; and  when  1 die  you  shall 
be  my  heir/  I accepted  the  governor’s  proposal  with  joy ; the 
contract  was  drawn,  and  our  nuptials  would  have  been  cele- 
brated directly,  but  the  fever  from  which  your  skill  has  deliv- 
ered me  followed  the  loss  of  my  hand  and  the  agitations  I had 
undergone.  As  I am  now  recovered,  my  marriage  will  this  day 
be  completed.” 

The  sultan  being  pleased  with  this  story,  directed  the  tailor 
to  repeat  any  remarkable  occurrence  which  had  befallen  him. 


THE  STORY  TOLD  BY  THE  TAILOR. 

A citizen  of  this  city  invited  me  two  days  ago  to  an  enter- 
tainment. The  company  were  nearly  assembled,  when  the 
master  of  the  house  introduced  a stranger,  polite  and  well 
dressed,  but  lame.  The  young  man  paid  his  compliments  very 
respectfully  to  every  one,  till  he  came  to  a barber,  when  he 
started  back,  and  hastened  towards  the  door.  The  master  of 
the  house,  surprised  at  this  emotion,  stopped  him,  and  desired 
he  would  explain  the  cause.  ‘‘  For  God’s  sake,  sir,”  replied  the 
stranger,  “ let  me  go ; I cannot  without  horror  look  upon  that 
abominable  barber.  His  face  resembles  an  Ethiopian,  and  his 
soul  is  ten  times  more  black  and  horrible  than  his  face.” 

We  were  all  amazed  to  hear  these  expressions,  and  began 
to  look  very  unfavorably  on  the  barber,  when  our  host  said  to 
the  young  man,  ‘‘  I brought  you  to  my  house  to  give  you  pleas- 
ure, and  cannot  wish  to  detain  you  against  your  inclinations ; 
but  I would  be  glad  to  know  why  you  expressed  yourself  against 
one  of  my  guests  with  so  much  bitterness.  You  owe,”  contin- 
ued he,  “this  explanation  to  me  and  my  other  friends,  that  we 
may  expel  him  from  our  society,  if  he  is  unworthy  of  it.” 

“ Gentlemen,”  replied  the  stranger,  “ this  cursed  barber  is 
the  cause  of  my  being  lame.  Besides,  to  his  impertinence  I 
owe  the  severest  disappointment  and  disgrace.  On  this  account, 
I have  made  a vow  never  to  remain  in  the  city  where  he  dwells. 
To  avoid  him  I left  Bagdad  and  travelled  hither,  into  the  heart 
of  great  Tartary ; and  I will  now  leave  your  city,  and  go,  if  I 
can,  where  he  shall  never  come.”  Every  one  became  interested 
to  hear  the  cause  of  so  great  an  aversion.  The  young  man 
suffered  himself  to  be  prevailed  on  to  relate  the  reason ; and 
sitting  down  on  the  sofa,  with  his  back  to  the  barber  gave  us 
the  following  account : 

Very  early  in  my  life  I contracted  an  aversion  to  womenj 


134 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


insomuch  that  I carefully  avoided  all  conversation  with  them ; 
but  I chanced  one  day  to  cast  my  eye  up  to  a window,  where  I 
saw  a young  lady  of  such  exquisite  beauty,  as  at  once  dissi- 
pated my  prejudices,  and  inspired  me  with  love.  On  inquiring 
who  it  was  I was  thus  enslaved  by,  I had  the  mortification  to 
hear  that  she  was  the  only  child  of  the  first  cadi,  a man  of 
great  wealth,  but  of  still  greater  pride  and  severity  of  manners. 
As  all  hope  of  obtaining  an  interview  with  my  charmer  was  im- 
probable, I tried  to  subdue  my  passion.  But  instead  of  suc- 
ceeding, I found  my  health  so  affected  by  the  tumult  of  my 
mind,  that  I was  obliged  to  confine  myself  to  my  bed ; I grew 
worse  daily,  but  carefully  kept  secret  the  cause  of  my  disorder. 
At  last  a notable  old  lady  coming  to  see  me,  observed  I sighed 
often.  She  began  to  talk  with  me  about  love,  and  being  a woman 
of  address,  she  found  out  the  source  of  my  disorder. 

“To  her  I unbosomed  myself  ; and  the  old  lady,  delighting 
in  such  commissions,  undertook  to  procure  me  an  interview 
with  my  mistress.  This  was  by  no  means  an  easy  undertaking, 
for  the  cadi  had  brought  up  his  daughter  with  so  much  strict- 
ness that  it  was  a long  time  before  she  would  hear  of  such  a 
measure.  My  trusty  advocate  had  art  and  perseverance,  and 
at  last  obtained,  hardly,  the  young  lady’s  consent  to  receive  me 
on  the  following  Friday,  at  the  time  of  noon  prayers,  when  the 
cadi  went  to  the  mosque.  These  welcome  tidings  restored  my 
health  and  spirits,  so  that  before  the  appointed  time  I was  per- 
fectly recovered. 

“ When  the  eagerly  expected  morning  arrived,  I dressed 
myself  to  the  best  advantage,  and  sent  for  a barber  to  shave 
me.  My  slave  brought  with  him  this  wretch.  When  he  came 
in,  ‘ Sir,’  said  he,  ‘you  look  as  if  you  were  not  well ; pray  let 
me  know  what  service  I can  do  for  you.  I have  brought  my 
lancets  as  well  as  my  razor,  and  am  prepared  to  bleed  as  well 
as  to  shave  you.’  I told  him  I only  wanted  to  be  shaved,  and 
that  immediately,  as  I had  an  appointment  to  attend  at  noon. 

“ He  was  a long  time  opening  his  case,  and  preparing  his 
razors  ; when,  instead  of  proceeding  to  shave  me,  he  took  out 
an  astrolabe,  and  went  very  gravely  out  of  the  room  to  the 
middle  of  the  yard  to  take  the  height  of  the  sun.  Returning 
with  the  same  gravity,  he  said,  ‘ Sir,  you  will  be  pleased  to 
know  that  this  day  is  Friday,  the  i8th  of  the  month  Safar,  and 
that  the  conjunction  of  Mars  and  Mercury  signifies  you  cannot 
choose  a better  time  than  this  very  day  and  this  very  hour  for 
being  shaved.  But  this  conjunction  is  also  ominous  to  you. 
You  will  this  day  be  in  great  danger,  not  indeed  of  losing  your 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


135 

life,  but  of  an  inconvenience  which  will  attend  you  as  long  as 
you  live:’ 

I was  quite  enraged  at  his  prating  and  impertinence.  ‘ I 
did  not  send  for  you,’  said  I,  ^ to  instruct  me  in  astrology,  but 
to  shave  me  ; which  I insist  on  your  doing  directly,  or  go  about 
your  business.’  ‘ Sir,’  replied  he,  with  a dulness  that  put  me 
out  of  all  patience,  ‘ why  do  you  put  yourself  in  a passion  ? Do 
you  think  I am  a common  shaver?  You  sent  for  a barber 
only  ; but  besides  having  in  me  the  best  barber  in  Bagdad,  you 
have  also  an  experienced  physician,  a very  profound  chemist,  an 
infallible  astrologer,  a finished  grammarian,  a complete  orator, 
a subtile  logician,  an  admirable  mathematician  and  historian  ; 
besides,  I know  all  parts  of  philosophy.  I am  a poet,  an  archi- 
tect, and  excel  in  all  the  sciences.  Your  late  father,  my  very 
good  friend,  whose  memory  I revere,  held  me  in  the  highest 
esteem.  I am — ’ ‘ Prithee,  peace,  thou  endless  babbler,’  ex- 

claimed I,  interrupting  him,  ‘ and  do  the  business  I sent  for  you 
to  do.’ 

“ ‘ You  do  me  wrong,,’  replied  he,  ‘ to  call  me  a babbler;  on 
the  contrary,  all  the  world  give  me  the  honorable  title  of  Silent.’ 
Finding  he  was  again  beginning  to  harangue,  I ordered  my 
slave  to  pay  him,  and  turn  him  out  of  doors ; but  even  this  did 
not  relieve  me.  ‘I  came  here,’  said  he,  ‘ to  shave  you  ; and  by 
the  faith  of  a Mussulman,  I will  not  leave  you  until  I have  per- 
formed that  operation.’ 

“ In  hope  of  getting  rid  of  him,  I submitted  to  be  shaved  by 
him,  only  desiring  him  to  be  speedy.  He  had  scarcely  begun 
to  use  his  razor,  when  he  stopped,  saying,  ‘ I wonder,  sir,  you 
will  not  avoid  those  transports  of  rage,  which  come  only  from 
the  devil.  Besides,  you  ought  to  have  more  respect  for  a man 
of  my  age,  knowledge,  and  many  virtues.  You  have  an  engage- 
ment at  noon  : why,  it  now  wants  at  least  three  hours  of  that 
time.’  Again  he  laid  down  his  razor,  and  took  up  his  astrolabe, 
leaving  me  half  shaved,  to  go  and  see  what  time  of  day  it  was. 
‘ I told  you,’  said  he,  on  his  return,  ‘ you  have  time  enough.’  I 
could  hold  no  longer.  ‘ You  cursed  barber,  you  barber  of  mis- 
chief,’ said  I,  ‘ I know  not  what  hinders  me  from  strangling 
you  ! ’ ‘ Patience,  sir,’  said  h*e,  ‘ I am  just  about  to  complete 

your  business.’ 

I should  weary  you  in  relating  how  he  further  exercised 
my  patience.  I heard  the  first  and  last  call  to  noon  prayers  : I 
was  not  even  able  to  rid  myself  of  this  abominable  fellow,  till 
long  after  they  had  begun.  I hastened  then  to  my  appoint- 
ment, but  had  the  mortification  to  perceive  he  followed  me.  I 


ARAB/AI\r  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


136 

passed  hastily  through  many  streets,  in  hope  of  giving  him  the 
slip  ; which  when  I thought  I had  completed,  I hastened  to  the 
cadi’s  house  ; but  as  I ascended  the  stairs,  to  the  young  lady’s 
apartment,  I saw  him  take  his  station  opposite  the  door  of  the 
mansion. 

My  mistress  received  me  kindly,  and  I should  have  been 
perfectly  happy,  had  I not  dreaded  this  impertinent  fellow  would 
expose  me.  Nor  was  this  fear  groundless  ; when  the  cadi  re- 
turned, he  did  not  come  near  his  daughter’s  apartments,  but  it 
chanced  that  he  chastised  a slave  who  had  misbehaved.  The 
barber,  hearing  his  outcries,  supposed  they  came  from  me  ; and 
officiously  screaming  out,  he  rent  his  clothes,  threw  dust  on  his 
head,  and  called  out  to  the  neighbors  for  assistance.  A crowd 
soon  gathered  round  the  house,  to  whom  the  barber  cried  out, 

‘ Help,  Mussulmans,  for  the  love  of  God  ! they  are  assassina- 
ting my  master,  my  dear  patron.  I saw  him  go  in  here,  and 
they  have  been  just  now  bastinadoing  him,  for  I heard  his  out- 
cries.’ 

“ The  crowd  became  enraged  at  this  story,  nor  could  even 
the  venerable  presence  of  the  cadi  inspire  them  with  respect, 
when  he  came  forth  to  pacify  them.  ‘ Ah  ! you  cursed  cadi ! 
you  dog  of  a cadi ! ’ exclaimed  the  barber,  ‘ how  durst  you  thus 
assault  a Mussulman  ? I know  your  daughter  is  in  love  with 
my  patron,  and  hath  invited  him  here,  during  the  time  of  noon 
prayers,  and  I heard  him  cry  out  under  the  barbarous  discipline 
you  inflicted  on  him.’  The  cadi  denied  all  this,  but  finding  the 
people  continued  enraged,  he  offered  to  permit  the  barber  and 
two  or  three  others  to  enter  his  house  and  search  for  me. 

“ At  the  beginning  of  the  disturbance,  I had  hid  myself,  al 
the  earnest  request  of  the  young  lady,  in  a large  empty  trunk. 
This  trunk  escaped  the  attention  of  the  other  people ; but  the 
officious  barber  opened  it,  and  no  sooner  saw  me,  than  he  gave 
a great  shout,  and  placing  it  on  his  head,  ran  into  the  street. 
As  he  carried  me,  one  part  of  the  trunk,  which  was  very  old, 
fell  off,  and  exposed  me  to  the  shouts  of  the  mob,  now  very 
much  disposed  to  turn  the  matter  into  a jest.  I could  not  bear 
this,  but  leaped  out  into  the  street  with  so  much  haste,  that  I 
hurt  my  leg,  and  have  been  lame  ever  since. 

“ I was  not  sensible  at  first  how  bad  I was  hurt,  and  there- 
fore, having  thrown  handfuls  of  money  among  the  people,  I en- 
deavored to  escape  ; but  the  mischievous  barber  still  continued 
to  persecute  me.  ‘ Stay,  sir,’  cried  he,  ‘ why  do  you  run  so  fast? 
Alas  ! if  you  had  taken  my  advice,  you  would  not  have  been  in 
that  perilous  situation,  from  which  it  was  my  good  fortune 


ARABIAAT  N/GHTS  ENTER  TAIATME NTS. 


*37 

to  deliver  you.  Whither  do  you  run,  then,  sir  ? Stay  for 

me.’ 

“ Not  content  with  this,  he  went  all  over  the  town  relating 
this  story,  with  a variety  of  ridiculous  circumstances  of  his  own 
invention.  In  short,  finding  when  I was  cured  that  I had  no 
more  hope  of  seeing  the  lady,  and  that  the  people  were  every- 
where disposed  to  laugh  at  me,  through  the  malice  or  folly  of 
this  detestable  barber,  I determined  to  quit  forever  my  native 
city,  and  never  to  remain  in  any  other,  if  that  fellow  should 
come  to  it.  Having  now,  gentlemen,  gratified  your  curiosity,  I 
must  desire  that  you  will  permit  me  to  fulfil  that  resolution.” 
Saying  this,  he  arose,  and  without  looking  at  the  barber,  bade 
us  farewell. 

We  expressed  our  surprise  at  this  story,  and  some  of  us 
began  to  blame  the  barber,  who  raising  up  his  head  for  the  first 
time,  acknowledged  the  story  to  be  generally  true.  But,” 
said  he,  “ did  not  he  throw  himself  into  the  danger  I warned 
him  of,  and  from  which  I delivered  him ; what  reason  then  has 
he  to  complain  of  me  ? But  thus  it  is,  to  serve  unthankful 
people  ! As  to  his  story  of  my  being  a prattling  fellow,  it  is  an 
absolute  scandal.  Of  seven  brothers,  I am  the  least  talker, 
though  the  most  witty.  To  convince  you,  gentlemen,  I need 
only  relate  to  you  their  stories  and  my  own.  Let  me  requesc 
your  attention.’^ 

THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER 

In  the  reign  of  the  late  caliph,  the  roads  near  Bagdad  were 
much  infested  by  ten  highwaymen.  Their  depredations,  every 
day  more  insolent,  at  length  reached  the  ear  of  the  caliph,  who 
commanded  the  judge  of  the  police  to  apprehend  them  within  a 
limited  time,  on  pain  of  death.  Alarmed  at  this  rigorous  order, 
the  judge  exerted  himself  so  effectually,  that  they  were  all  taken 
by  the  next  day,  which  was  the  day  of  Bairam.  As  it  was  holi- 
day time  I was  walking  on  the  banks  of  the  Tigris,  and  seeing 
a number  of  well-dressed  men  enter  a boa',  1 concluded  they 
were  going  to  spend  the  festival  in  jollity  ; so  without  ceremony, 
I entered  the  boat  along  with  them.  Every  one  preserved  a 
profound  silence,  and  I presently  observed  part  of  the  company 
were  officers  of  the  police.  I had  very  little  time  to  reflect  on 
my  situation,  which  I began  to  do  with  much  uneasiness,  when 
we  landed  at  the  royal  palace,  where  we  v;ere  received  by  a party 
of  guards,  who  bound  us  all  with  cords,  that  had  not  the  ensigns 
of  office  in  their  hands.  Expostulation  I saw  was  in  vain ; I 


138  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS 

suffered  myself,  therefore,  to  be  led  away  with  the  highwaymen, 
without  remonstrance.  When  we  were  brought  before  the  caliph 
he  ordered  our  heads  to  be  immediately  struck  off.  All  my  com- 
panions were  clamorous  for  mercy : I alone  was  silent.  The 
executioner  soon  dispatched  the  highwaymen,  and  was  proceed 
ing  to  put  me  to  death,  when  the  caliph,  seeing  something  in 
my  appearance  which  took  his  attention,  condescended  to  ex* 
amine  me  himself.  I related  to  him  the  accident  which  brought 
me  into  my  perilous  situation,  with  so  much  simplicity,  that  the 
caliph  was  convinced  of  my  innocence,  and  set  me  at  large  ; 
highly  commending  my  fortitude  and  silence  in  a moment  of  so 
much  danger.  After  this,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  relate  to  you 
the  stories  of  my  six  brothers,  whose  characters  brighten  mine. 
Yet  for  your  amusement,  I am  willing  to  repeat  them. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER’S  ELDEST  BROTHER. 

My  eldest  brother,  whose  name  was  Bacbouc,  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  be  humpbacked.  He  was  a tailor,  and  having  but 
little  business,  could  scarcely  maintain  himself.  Opposite  his 
shop  lived  a wealthy  miller,  who  had  a very  handsome  wife,  with 
whom  my  silly  brother  fell  in  love.  The  miller’s  wife  soon  per- 
ceived the  conquest  she  had  made,  and  determined  to  turn  his 
passion  to  her  amusement ; she  often  smiled  upon  him  from  her 
window,  and  whenever  she  appeared  there,  he  did  not  fail  to  ex- 
press his  passion  by  every  grimace  he  could  invent. 

The  miller’s  wife  was  all  this  time  studying  to  punish  his 
presumption.  She  began  by  sending  him  stuffs  to  be  made  up 
into  different  garments.  All  these,  the  slave  used  to  tell  him, 
her  mistress  praised  highly  ; but  she  never  sent  any  money  for 
the  making  or  trimmings.  He  was  too  gallant  to  ask  for  any, 
and  often  went  with  a hungry  belly  in  the  evening,  after  having 
labored  hard  all  day  for  his  unmerciful  mistress  ; but  as  the 
slave  did  not  forget  to  hint  every  now  and  then  what  a progress 
he  was  making  in  her  affection,  the  poor  tailor  was  quite  happy 
in  his  sufferings.  After  some  time,  the  lady  fearing  others 
should  take  notice  of  Bacbouc’s  behavior,  and  by  that  means 
her  chai  n ter  might  be  aspersed,  contrived  to  get  rid  of  him  in 
the  following  manner. 

She  related  to  her  husband  the  story  of  my  brother’s  love, 
and  her  plan  to  punish  it.  The  miller,  highly  delighted,  readily 
agreed  to  give  his  assistance.  The  same  evening  he  called 
upon  my  brother,  and  invited  him  to  sup  with  him.  Bacbouc  had 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


^39 


no  doubt  but  his  mistress  had  contrived  this  invitation  ; he  was 
overjoyed,  and  put  on  his  best  apparel,  to  look  more  amiable  in 
her  eyes.  The  repast  was  a homely  one,  but  the  tailor  was  too 
much  in  love  to  find  fault  with  it.  When  it  grew  late,  the  millei 
said,  Brother,  you  had  better  not  go  home  to-night ; I will  show 
you  a bed  in  the  mill.”  Which  offer  Bacbouc  thankfully 
accepted. 

Early  in  the  morning,  the  miller  went  to  my  brother,  and 
said,  ‘‘Neighbor,  my  mule  is  ill,  and  I have  a great  deal  of  corn 
to  grind  to  day  ; you  will  do  much  kindness  if  you  will  turn  my 
mill  in  her  stead.”  Bacbouc,  willing  to  oblige,  consented.  The 
miller  fastened  the  tackle  to  him  in  such  a manner  that  he  could 
not  disengage  himself,  and  then  giving  him  two  or  three  smart 
cuts  with  a horsewhip,  said,  “ Go,  neighbor  1 ” “ Hold  ! ” re- 

plied my  brother,  “why  do  you  whip  me?”  “ ’Tis  to  make 
you  brisk  ! ” said  the  miller,  giving  him  at  the  same  time  a 
hearty  cut ; “ my  mule  is  never  brisk  without  I whip  her.  Cour- 
age, neighbor,”  continued  he,  using  the  whip  all  the  time  ; “you 
perform  admirably ; I shall  always  think  myself  bound  to  you 
for  your  friendly  assistance.”  In  short,  the  miller  drove  poor 
Bacbouc  round,  continuing  to  whip  him,  till  his  strength  w^as 
nearly  exhausted.  His  persecutor  then  withdrew,  and  the  slave 
who  had  fed  his  hopes  appeared  and  released  him.  She  \vould 
fain  have  persuaded  him  that  her  mistress  knew  nothing  of  the 
treatment  he  had  received,  and  would  be  exceedingly  sorrow 
for  it.  Bacbouc  heard  her  in  silence,  and  crept  home  to  his 
house,  smarting,  fatigued,  ashamed,  and  entirely  cured  of  his 
illicit  passion  for  his  neighbor’s  wife. 


STORY  OF  THE  BARBER'S  SECOND  BROTHER. 

My  second  brother  was  called  Bacbarah.  One  day  an  old 
woman  came  up  to  him,  and  asked  him  in  a whisper,  if  he  loved 
a good  treat,  and  could  be  obliging  to  a fine  woman.  On  his 
answering  yes,  she  said,  “ Follow  me,  then,  and  I will  conduct 
you  to  both.” 

When  she  had  led  him  to  the  saloon  of  a handsome  palace, 
she  said,  “ The  lady  I shall  introduce  you  to  is  of  admirable 
beauty,  but  of  very  fanciful  humor ; if  you  agree  to  submit  to 
her  caprice,  I will  engage  she  will  receive  you  favorably.”  My 
brother,  seeing  everything  about  him  very  elegant,  was  delighted 
with  his  good  fortune  and  readily  agreed  to  submit  to  whatever 
should  be  Si)i)uired  of  him. 


140 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMEJVTS. 


The  old  woman  made  a signal,  when  two  slaves  entered  and 
conducted  Bacbarah  to  a bath.  After  bathing,  they  presented 
him  with  rich  robes,  instead  of  his  own  mean  apparel ; and  when 
he  was  dressed,  they  led  him  to  a hall,  where  they  found  a 
lovely  young  lady,  surrounded  by  a group  of  merry  slaves,  who 
all  endeavored  to  divert  her.  The  lady  received  him  with  great 
respect,  obliged  him  to  sit  down  by  her,  and  ordered  a grand 
entertainment  to  be  immediately  served.  At  dinner  she  helped 
him  to  the  nicest  viands  and  choicest  wines ; when  the  tables 
were  removed,  perfume  and  rose-water  were  thrown  over  him  by 
her  own  hands. 

A concert  followed  the  repast,  during  which  the  lady  ogled 
the  enraptured  Bacbarah,  till  his  hopes  were  wound  up  to  the 
highest  pitch.  The  lady  observing  this,  called  for  wine,  and 
pretending  to  drink  his  health,  she  put  the  glass  to  her  lips,  and 
then  flung  the  wine  in  his  face. 

My  brother  was  almost  blinded,  and  the  slav^es  gathered 
round  him  while  in  this  condition,  some  pinching  him,  others 
filliping  him  by  the  nose,  and  offering  him  a thousand  affronts. 
He  bore  all  this  with  great  good-humor,  laughing  with  the  com- 
pany, as  though  highly  delighted  with  the  jest.  On  which  the 
lady  said,  “ Brother,  you  are  quite  a man  to  my  mind  ; the  com- 
plaisance with  which  you  submit  to  my  little  fancies,  shall  not 
be  forgotten. — Take  the  gentleman  out,’^  said  she,  “ and  when 
you  have  obeyed  orders,  bring  him  here  again. 

The  old  woman  led  my  brother  to  an  adjoining  apartment, 
where  he  found  several  stout  slaves,  who,  in  spite  of  his  opposi- 
tion and  outcries,  cut  off  his  whiskers  and  beard,  painted  his 
eyebrows,  and  dressed  him  in  the  habit  of  a woman.  Bacbarah 
was  much  enraged ; but  his  conductress  promising  her  lady 
would  reward  his  condescension,  he  suffered  her  to  lead  him 
back  to  her  mistress. 

■ On  his  entrance,  the  young  lady  laughed  till  she  fell  back  on 
her  sofa.  Her  slaves  also  joined  in  the  ridicule,  dancing  round 
him,  by  turns  pushing  him  about  and  pinching  him,  till  he  was 
spent  with  fatigue  and  vexation.  The  old  woman  at  last  res- 
cued him,  and  led  him  out  again.  She  then  supplied  him  with 
wine,  praised  his  complaisance,  and  told  him  he  had  but  one 
more  instance  to  give  of  it.  ‘‘  My  mistress,’’  continued  she, 
‘‘requires  that  you  strip  off  your  clothes,  and  pursue  her  from 
chamber  to  chamber,  till  you  catch  her;  that  done,  you  will  be 
master  of  your  own  wishes.” 

My  silly  brother,  having  submitted  to  so  many  mortifica- 
tions, was  unwilling  to  lose  the  promised  reward  by  refusing 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


141 

one  more  compliance.  He  stripped,  therefore,  as  required  ; 
and  all  the  doors  of  the  apartments  being  thrown  open,  he  pur- 
sued the  lady  three  times  round  them.  At  last  she  took  sheb 
ter  in  a dark  passage.  Bacbarah  followed  her  with  alacrity, 
but  the  darkness  obliged  him  to  proceed  slowly.  She  regained 
the  apartments  by  a private  passage  ; while  my  brother  crept 
on  till  he  perceived  a light,  which  he  had  no  sooner  reached, 
than  a door  shut  violently  behin  dhim,  and  he  found  himself 
in  one  of  the  obscure  streets  of  the  city. 

A crowd  soon  gathered  around  him,  and  his  strange  appear- 
ance, almost  naked,  his  eyebrows  painted,  and  without  beard 
or  mustache,  rendered  him  a fair  object  of  ridicule.  They 
shouted  after  him,  and  pelted  him.  It  would  have  been  well 
for  poor  Bacbarah,  if  his  misfortunes  had  ended  here  ; but  one 
of  the  magistrates  passing  by,  and  seeing  the  tumult,  inquired 
the  cause  of  it.  My  brother’s  figure  was  too  indecent  to  pass 
unpunished.  The  magistrate  concluded  his  frolic  by  ordering 
him  a hundred  blows  on  the  feet,  and  banishing  him  from  the 
city. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER^S  THIRD  BROTHER. 

My  third  brother’s  name  was  Bacbac ; he  was,  unfortu- 
nately, blind,  and  so  poor  that  he  was  obliged  to  beg  for  his 
support.  He  had  a custom  of  knocking  at  any  door  he  came 
to,  and  not  answering  till  it  was  opened  to  him.  One  day, 
having  knocked  a long  time  at  a door,  though  often  called  out 
to,  the  master  of  the  house  at  last  opened  it,  and  asked  him 
what  he  wanted.  That  you  will  relieve  my  necessities,”  re- 
plied Bacbac  ; “ I am  blind,  and  cannot  earn  a maintenance.” 
“If  you  are  blind,”  said  the  man,  “give  me  your  hand.  Bac- 
bac did  so  ; and  the  man  led  him  up  stairs  to  a chamber.  My 
brother  began  to  hope  for  a bountiful  alms,  when  the  man  let 
go  of  his  hand  and  said,  “ Alas,  poor  man,  I can  give  you 
nothing!  I can  only  pray  God  to  restore  your  sight.”  “You 
might  have  told  me  so  at  the  door,”  replied  my  brother,  testily, 
“and  not  given  me  the  trouble  of  coming  up  hither.”  “And 
why,  fool,”  said  the  other,  “ do  you  not  answer  when  you  are 
called  to,  and  not  give  people  the  trouble  of  coming  to  you  ? 
Begone,  I will  not  give  you  anything.”  “ At  least  you  will 
lead  me  to  the  door  ? ” said  Bacbac.  “ Not  I,  indeed,”  replied 
the  man  ; “ the  stairs  are  before  you  ; get  out  as  you  can.” 
My  brother,  in  attempting  to  return,  fell  down  the  stairs,  and 


A/^AB/AAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


*rtuch  bruised  ; he  recovered  the  door  with  difficulty,  where 
he  sar  down  complaining  of  the  ill  treatment  he  had  received. 

T\vO  other  blind  men,  companions  of  my  brother,  coming 
6y,  stopped  to  condole  with  him  ; after  which  they  all  agreed 
to  sup  together  at  Bacbac’s  house.  The  man  who  had  served 
my  brother  this  scurvy  trick  was  a sharping  fellow.  He  had 
been  listening  and  laughing  at  my  brother  during  his  com- 
plaint, but  when  he  heard  them  talk  of  supping  together,  and 
something  said  of  sharing  some  money,  he  resolved  to  go  along 
with  them.  Accordingly  he  followed,  and  entered  the  house 
with  them  unperceived.  As  soon  as  they  had  shut  the  door, 
they  began  to  feel  about  with  their  sticks  to  discover  if  any 
one  had  intruded  among  them  ; this  perplexed  the  sharper 
much,  till,  as  he  was  striving  to  avoid  them,  he  espied  a rope 
hanging  from  the  ceiling.  As  he  was  an  active  fellow,  he 
easily  jumped  up,  caught  hold  of  it,  and  hung  by  it  until  they 
had  finished  their  search. 

The  blind  men  then  began  to  talk  of  their  affairs.  Bacbac 
produced  a large  bag  of  cash,  out  of  which  he  gave  the  others 
ten  drachms  each,  and  took  the  same  sum  himself.  “ There 
now  remain,”  said  he,  ten  thousand  drachms,  which  we  will 
weigh  or  tell,  if  )rou  desire  it.”  His  companions  declared  they 
were  fully  satisfied,  on  which  he  tied  up  the  bag  and  put  it 
away.  They  then  produced  the  provisions  which  had  been 
given  them  during  the  day.  The  sharper  sat  himself  down 
beside  my  brother,  and  began  to  pick  out  the  nicest  bits  and 
eat  them.  But  whatever  care  he  took,  my  brother  heard  his 
chaps  going,  and  cried  out,  We  are  undone ! there  is  a stran- 
ger among  us ! ” Saying  this,  he  seized  the  sharper,  and 
began  to  beat  him,  ciying  out,  “ Thieves  ! ” The  other  blind 
men  also  fell  upon  him  ; but  the  sharper,  who  was  a stout 
young  fellow,  and  had  the  advantage  of  his  sight,  dealt  his 
blows  about  among  the  blind  men  very  severely,  crying  out 
Thieves  ! ” louder  than  any  of  them. 

The  uproar  speedily  brought  in  the  neighbors,  who,  having 
parted  the  combatants,  demanded  the  cause  of  the  quarrel. 
Bacbac  cried  out,  Gentlemen,  this  man  is  a thief,  and  has 
crept  in  among  us,  to  rob  us  of  the  little  money  we  have  got.” 
The  sharper,  who,  as  soon  as  the  neighbors  came  in,  had  shut 
his  eyes  and  feigned  himself  also  blind,  cried  out,  He  is  a 
liar.  I swear  to  you  by  the  life  of  the  caliph,  that  I am  their 
companion  ; and  they  refuse  to  give  me  my  share  ; they  have 
all  three  fallen  upon  me,  and  1 demand  justice.” 

The  neighbors  considered  the  matter  as  too  serious  a busi- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


143 


ness  for  them  to  settle  ; they  therefore  conveyed  them  before 
a magistrate.  As  soon  as  they  came  into  his  presence,  the 
sharper  cried  out,  “ Venerable  sir,  we  are  all  guilty  of  a great 
offence,  but  having  taken  an  oath  not  to  confess  unless  we  are 
bastinadoed,  by  that  means  only  can  you  come  at  the  truth.’^ 
The  magistrate  would  not  hear  a word  from  either  of  the 
others,  but  immediately  put  him  under  that  discipline. 

The  sharper  had  the  courage  to  bear  twenty  or  thirty  blows, 
when,  as  if  overcome  with  pain,  he  opened  one  eye,  and  pres- 
ently after  the  other,  crying  out  for  mercy.  The  judge  sus- 
pended the  punishment,  and  demanded  by  what  miracle  he  had 
so  suddenly  recovered  his  sight.  “If,  sir,’’  said  he,  “you  will 
pardon  me,  and  as  a pledge  intrust  me  with  your  seal  ring,  I 
will  make  an  important  discovery.”  The  judge  consented,  and 
gave  him  the  ring.  “Sir,”  said  the  sharper,  “we  are  none  of 
us  blind,  but  feign  ourselves  so,  by  which  means  we  enter  peo- 
ple’s houses,  and  play  many  bad  tricks  unsuspected.  We  have 
amassed  by  our  rogueries  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  drachms, 
which  you  will  find  concealed  in  a cupboard  in  the  house  we 
came  from.  This  evening  I demanded  my  share,  and  declared 
I would  leave  off  so  infamous  a way  of  life  ; and  it  was  on  this 
account  that  they  fell  upon  me  and  beat  me.” 

The  magistrate  sent  and  searched  for  the  money,  which 
being  found,  confirmed  the  sharper’s  testimony.  The  judge, 
in  a rage,  ordered  the  blind  men  to  be  bastinadoed  till  they 
opened  their  eyes.  In  vain  they  protested  it  was  utterly  im- 
possible for  them  to  do  so ; in  vain  they  took  Heaven  to  wit- 
ness that  their  accuser  was  a cheat  and  a liar  ; they  received 
each  two  hundred  blows,  the  sharper  all  the  while  exhorting 
them  to  open  their  eyes  and  shorten  their  punishment. 

The  judge  finding  after  so  severe  a chastisement  that  they 
still  appeared  as  before,  and  continued  to  asseri.  their  inno- 
cence, began  to  hesitate.  He  ordered  the  executioner  to  stop, 
and  contented  himself  with  banishing  them  from  the  city,  after 
having  given  one  fourth  of  their  money  to  the  sharper,  and 
confiscated  the  rest. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER’S  FOURTH  BROTHER. 

Alcouz  was  the  name  of  my  fourth  brother.  He  was  a 
butcher  by  profession.  One  day,  an  old  man,  with  a long 
white  beard,  came  and  bought  some  meat  of  him.  The  money 
with  which  he  paid  him  was  so  fresh  and  well  coined,  that  m^ 


144 


ARABIA{<r  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


brother  laid  it  apart  by  itself.  The  same  old  man  came  every 
day  for  a considerable  time,  and  always  paid  for  his  meat  in  the 
same  sort  of  specie,  which  Alcouz  as  regularly  put  apart  from 
his  other  cash. 

At  length,  having  occasion  to  buy  some  sheep,  he  was 
obliged  to  use  this  fine  money ; but  on  opening  his  chest,  in- 
stead of  cash,  he  saw  only  a parcel  of  leaves  clipped  round  to 
the  size  of  specie.  My  brother  was  alarmed  at  this  phenome- 
non. He  ran  out  to  his  neighbors,  weeping,  and  was  begin- 
ning to  tell  them  what  had  befallen  him,  when  he  saw  the  old 
man  coming  toward  them.  He  ran  up  to  him,  and  took  him 
by  the  collar,  crying  out,  “ Help,  Mussulmans,  hear  how 
wickedly  this  old  fellow  has  defrauded  me  ! ” 

The  old  man  stood  with  great  unconcern,  while  my  brother 
related  his  case  to  the  bystanders.  When  he  had  finished  his 
story,  the  old  man  said  to  him  in  a haughty  style,  ‘‘You  would 
act  wisely  to  let  me  go,  and  not  compel  me  to  expose  you  as 
you  deserve  for  thus  publicly  affronting  me.’^  Alcouz  defied 
and  threatened  him  ; on  which  the  old  man  replied,  “You  will 
have  me  tell  it,  then  ? ” and  turning  to  the  people,  “ Know,” 
said  he,  “ my  friends,  this  fellow,  instead  of  selling  you  mutton, 
sells  you  man’s  flesh.  At  this  moment  there  is  a man  with  his 
throat  cut,  hung  up  in  his  shop  like  a sheep  ! ” 

My  brother  had  just  before  killed  a sheep,  dressed  it,  and 
hung  it  up  as  usual.  He  protested  what  the  old  man  said  was 
false ; but  the  mob  being  prejudiced  against  him  by  this  accu- 
sation, would  go  to  his  shop,  and  search  it.  They  found  there, 
as  they  thought,  a man  murdered  and  hung  up  as  mutton  ; for 
the  old  man,  who  was  a magician,  deceived  the  eyes  of  the 
people,  as  he  did  those  of  my  brother  when  he  made  him  take 
leaves  instead  of  money.  The  rage  of  the  multitude  was  so 
great  against  Alcouz,  that  they  dismissed  the  magician,  who 
got  away  as  fast  as  he  could ; and  every  one  was  eager  to 
chastise  my  unfortunate  brother.  They  conveyed  him  before 
the  judge  of  the  police,  where  a great  number  were  ready  to 
declare  his  guilt  on  oath.  As  Alcouz,  notwithstanding,  strenu- 
ously asserted  his  innocence,  the  judge  sent  some  of  his  officers 
with  the  accusers,  to  bring  the  body  of  the  murdered  man  be- 
fore him ; but  when  they  came  to  the  shop,  they  found  only 
the  carcass  of  a sheep. 

When  this  account  was  brought  to  the  magistrate,  he  was 
confounded,  nor  knew  how  to  determine. , As  the  body  was 
not  found,  he  would  not  put  my  brother  to  death;  but  as  many 
wUnesses  protested  that  they  had  seen  a man  slaughtered  in 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  BNTBR  TAINMTNTS 


MS 

the  shop,  he  ordered  him  five  hundred  stripes,  confiscated  his 
effects,  and  banished  him  from  the  city. 

Poor  Alcouz  left  Bagdad  by  night,  and  the  next  evening 
drew  near  another  town  where  he  was  unknown  ; as  he  ad- 
vanced towards  the  gate,  he  heard  a great  noise  of  horsemen 
behind  him.  After  what  had  befallen  him,  he  dreaded  every- 
thing. He  took  it  into  his  head  that  these  men  were  pursu- 
ing him,  and  to  avoid  them  he  entered  into  a court-yard  of  a 
great  house,  and  endeavored  to  hide  himself.  Two  of  the  ser- 
vants saw  him,  and  when  the  unlucky  Alcouz  had  taken  pos- 
session of  his  hiding-place,  they  seized  him  as  a thief,  who  had 
concealed  himself  there  with  the  intent  to  rob  their  master. 
They  disregarded  his  protestations  of  innocence,  and  hurried 
him  before  a magistrate,  who  ordered  him  a hundred  stripes 
on  suspicion ; but  when  they  had  made  bare  his  back,  and  saw 
the  marks  of  his  former  flagellation,  the  judge  concluded  he 
was  some  desperate  rogue  who  had  been  deservedly  punished 
elsewhere  ; he  doubled,  therefore,  the  number  of  stripes,  and 
banished  him  from  that  town  also,  on  pain  of  death.  Poor 
Alcouz  could  scarcely  support  his  second  misfortune,  and  would 
certainly  have  sunk  under  it,  if  I had  not  heard  of  his  afflic- 
tions, and  succored  him. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER’S  FIFTH  BROTHER. 

Alnaschar,  my  fifth  brother,  was  very  lazy,  and  of  course 
K^retchedly  poor.  On  the  death  of  our  father,  we  divided  his 
property,  and  each  of  us  received  a hundred  drachms  of  silver 
for  his  share.  Alnaschar,  who  hated  labor,  laid  out  his  money 
in  fine  glasses,  and  having  displayed  his  stock  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage in  a large  basket,  he  took  his  stand  in  the  market- 
place, with  his  back  against  the  wall,  waiting  for  customers.  In 
this  posture  he  indulged  a irevery,  talking  aloud  to  himself  as 
follows  : ‘‘  This  glass  cost  me  a hundred  drachms  of  silver, 
which  is  all  I have  in  the  world.  I shall  make  two  hundred  by 
retailing  it,  and  of  these  very  shortly  four  hundred.  It  will 
not  be  long  before  these  produce  four  thousand.  Money,  they 
say,  begets  money.  I shall  soon  therefore  be  possessed  of 
eight  thousand,  and  when  these  become  ten  thousand,  I will  no 
longer  be  a glass-seller.  I will  trade  in  pearls  and  diamonds  ; 
and  as  I shall  become  rich  apace,  I will  have  a splendid  palace, 
a great  estate,  slaves,  eunuchs,  and  horses ; I will  not,  how- 
ever, leave  traffic  till  I have  acquired  a hundred  thousand 


1 46  AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TA/NMENTS. 

drachms.  Then  I shall  be  as  great  as  a prince,  and  will  as- 
sume manners  accordingly. 

“ I will  demand  the  daughter  of  the  grand  vizier  in  mar- 
riage, who,  no  doubt,  will  be  glad  of  an  alliance  with  a man  of 
my  consequence.  The  marriage  ceremony  shall  be  performed 
with  the  utmost  splendor  and  magnificence.  As  soon  as  I am 
married,  I will  present  the  lady  with  ten  young  black  eunuchs, 
the  handsomest  that  can  be  procured.  I will  have  my  horse 
clothed  with  the  richest  housings,  ornamented  with  diamonds 
and  pearls,  and  will  be  attended  by  a number  of  slaves,  all 
richly  dressed,  when  I go  to  the  vizier’s  palace  to  conduct  my 
wife  thence  to  my  own.  The  vizier  shall  receive  me  with  great 
pomp,  and  shall  give  me  the  right  hand  and  place  me  above 
himself,  to  do  me  the  more  honor.  On  our  return,  I will  ap- 
point two  of  my  handsomest  slaves  to  throw  money  among  the 
populace,  that  every  one  may  speak  well  of  my  generosity. 

‘‘  When  we  arrive  at  my  own  palace,  I will  take  great  state 
upon  me,  and  hardly  speak  to  my  wife.  She  shall  dress  her- 
self in  all  her  ornaments,  and  stand  before  me  as  beautiful  as 
the  full  moon,  but  I will  not  look  at  her.  Her  slaves  shall 
draw  near,  and  entreat  me  to  cast  my  eyes  upon  her ; which, 
after  much  supplication,  I will  deign  to  do,  though  with  great 
indifference.  I will  not  suffer  her  to  come  out  of  her  apart- 
ment without  my  leave ; and  when  I have  a mind  to  visit  her 
there,  it  shall  be  in  a manner  that  will  make  her  respect  me. 
Thus  will  I begin  early  to  teach  her  what  she  is  to  expect  the 
rest  of  her  life, 

“ When  her  mother  comes  to  visit  her,  she  will  intercede 
with  me  for  her.  ‘ Sir,’  she  will  say,  (for  she  will  not  dare  to 
call  me  son,  for  fear  of  offending  me  by  so  much  familiarity,) 
‘ do  not,  I beseech,  treat  my  daughter  with  scorn  ; she  is  as 
beautiful  as  an  Houri,  and  entirely  devoted  to  you.’  But  my 
mother-in-law  may  as  well  hold  her  peace,  for  I will  take  no 
notice  of  what  she  says.  She  will  then  pour  out  some  wine 
into  a goblet,  and  give  it  to  my  wife,  saying,  ‘ Present  it  to 
your  lord  and  husband ; he  will  not  surely  be  so  cruel  as  to 
refuse  it  from  so  fair  a hand.’  My  wife  will  then  come  with 
the  glass,  and  stand  trembling  before  me  ; and  when  she  finds 
that  I do  not  look  on  her  but  continue  to  disdain  her,  she  will 
kneel  and  entreat  me  to  accept  it;  but  I will  continue  inflexible. 
At  last,  redoubling  her  tears,  she  will  rise  and  put  the  goblet 
to  my  lips ; when,  tired  with  her  importunities,  I will  dart  a 
terrible  look  at  her,  and  give  her  such  a push  with  my  foot  as 
will  spurn  her  from  me  ” — Alnaschar  was  so  interested  in  this 


ARAB/AAT  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


147 


imaginary  grandeur,  that  he  thrust  forth  his  foot  to  kick  the 
lady,  and  by  that  means  overturned  his  glasses,  and  broke 
them  into  a thousand  pieces. 

A tailor,  whose  shop  was  near  him,  having  heard  his  solil- 
oquy, laughed  heartily  when  he  saw  the  basket  fall.  “ What  a 
slave  you  are,’’  said  he  to  my  brother,  “ to  treat  such  a lovely 
bride  so  cruelly ! Were  I the  vizier,  your  father-in-law,  I 
would  order  you  a hundred  lashes  with  a bull’s  pizzle,  and 
send  you  through  the  town  with  your  character  written  on  your 
forehead.” 

Alnaschar  wanted  not  the  raillery  of  his  neighbor  to  make 
him  repent  his  absurd  behavior.  When  he  looked  on  the  frag- 
ments of  his  brittle  ware,  so  foolishly  demolished,  he  was 
almost  distracted  ; he  beat  his  breast,  tore  his  hair,  and  his 
outcries  soon  gathered  a crowd  about  him.  A lady,  passing 
by,  inquired  the  cause  of  the  tumult ; and  being  told  that  a 
poor  man  had  lost  all  his  substance  by  the  fall  of  his  basket  of 
glass,  she  kindly  gave  him  a sum  equal  to  what  he  had  laid  out 
in  his  goods. 

Alnaschar  returned  home  rejoicing,  and  blessing  his  bene- 
factress. He  had  scarcely  arrived,  when  an  old  woman  came 
to  his  door,  and  requested  he  would  permit  her  to  come  in  and 
wash  before  she  went  to  the  mosque  to  prayers.  After  she 
had  performed  the  ceremony  of  ablution,  she  entered  into  con- 
versation with  my  brother,  and  told  him  that  in  return  for  his 
civility  she  would  introduce  him  to  her  lady,  a woman  of  great 
beauty  and  fortune,  who  was  disposed  to  marry,  and  would  pay 
regard  to  her  recommendation,  which  she  would  give  to  him. 
Alnaschar  listened  to  this  fable  with  attention  ; and  being  of  a 
sanguine  temperament,  he  begged  the  old  woman  would  intro- 
duce him  directly  ; which,  after  seeming  hesitation,  she  con- 
sented to  do. 

My  brother  was  conducted  by  his  guest  to  a decent  house, 
and  introduced  to  a young  lady,  who  received  him  with  civility. 
After  some  conversation,  she  arose,  and  with  a gracious  smile 
told  him  she  liked  his  person  and  conversation  so  well,  that 
she  would  conduct  him  to  a repast  in  the  inner  apartment. 
Alnaschar,  overjoyed  with  his  good-fortune,  followed  her  into 
another  room,  from  whence  she  withdrew,  as  she  said,  for  a 
short  time.  My  brother  awaited  her  return  with  impatience  ; 
but  when  the  door  opened  again,  instead  of  a beautiful  and 
condescending  lady,  there  appeared  a tall  black  slave,  of  a 
fierce  aspect,  with  a drawn  cimeter  in  his  hand.  At  the  sight 
of  this  terrific  figure,  the  heart  of  my  brother  sank  within  him. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


148 

Nor  were  his  fears  ill-grounded.  The  black  came  up  to  him, 
and  gave  him  several  severe  cuts.  Alnaschar  was  so  terrified 
that  he  fell  down  in  a fit.  The  slave  took  away  the  hundred 
drachms  which  the  old  woman  had  probably  seen  him  receive ; 
and  opening  a trap  door,  threw  my  brother,  whom  he  supposed 
dead,  into  a place  underground,  among  the  bodies  of  several 
people  whom  he  had  murdered  in  this  manner. 

When  Alnaschar  revived,  and  recollected  his  situation,  his 
first  care  was  to  bind  up  his  wounds,  in  which  he  succeeded 
pretty  well ; he  next  ventured  to  lift  up  the  trap  in  the  night, 
and  by  great  good-fortune  he  made  his  way  out  of  the  house 
unobserved,  and  came  to  me  for  shelter. 

It  was  nearly  a month  before  he  was  full  recovered.  Dur- 
ing this  time  he  contrived  a plan  to  be  revenged,  which  he  ex- 
ecuted in  this  manner  : he  disguised  himself  like  an  old  woman, 
and  took  a large  purse,  which  he  filled  with  pieces  of  glass,  and 
tied  to  his  girdle.  He  then  took  a cimeter,  which  he  concealed 
under  his  gown,  and  went  into  the  most  frequented  parts  of 
the  city,  in  hopes  of  meeting  the  wicked  hag  who  had  enticed 
him  into  so  much  mischief. 

It  was  not  long  before  he  found  her ; when,  counterfeiting 
a woman’s  voice,  he  said  to  her,  “ I am  a stranger,  just  ar- 
rived, and  should  be  glad  to  weigh  five  hundred  pieces  of  gold, 
to  see  if  they  will  pass  here  ; can  you  recommend  me  to  a gold- 
smith ? ” ‘‘ Friend,”  replied  the  old  woman,  ‘‘you  could  not 

have  applied  to  a more  proper  person  , my  son  is  a goldsmith  ; 
come  with  me,  and  he  shall  weigh  them  for  you  directly.”  The 
pretended  traveller  agreed ; and  the  old  woman  led  him,  as  he 
expected,  to  the  fatal  mansion  whence  he  had  so  narrowly 
escaped. 

On  his  arrival  the  black  came  to  him,  and  desired  he  would 
walk  into  an  inner  room  where  the  scales  were.  iVlnaschar 
readily  followed  him  ; and  on  entering  the  hall,  with  one  blow 
cut  off  the  head  of  his  treacherous  conductor.  The  old  woman 
presently  came  in,  in  high  spirits  ; but  when  she  saw^  what  had 
happened,  she  set  up  a great  cry,  and  would  have  fled , my 
brother  prevented  her  ; and  after  reproaching  her  as  she  de- 
served, he  put  her  to  death  and  tumbled  both  the  dead  bodies 
through  the  trap-door. 

Alnaschar  spared  the  young  lady,  who  on  her  part  showed 
him  the  several  coffers  full  of  gold  which  these  wretches  had 
so  wickedly  obtained.  This  w^ealth  he  resolved  to  seize  , and 
leaving  the  lady,  he  went  in  search  of  porters,  with  sacks,  to 
remove  it ; but  she  took  advantage  of  his  absence,  and  on  his 


ARABIAN  NIGH  IN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


149 


return  the  treasure  was  gone.  A great  quantity  of  valuable 
movables,  however,  remained,  with  which  he  loaded  his  porters, 
and  carried  away  a considerable  booty.  Had  my  brother  been 
content  with  this,  he  had  been  wise  ; but  being  covetous,  he 
paid  so  many  visits  to  the  house  with  his  porters,  that  the 
curiosity  of  the  neighbors  was  excited.  An  information  to  the 
magistrate  followed  ; all  the  plunder  was  laid  hold  of  by  him  ; 
and  poor  Alnaschar  thought  he  was  well  off  when  the  judge 
was  content  with  banishing  him  from  the  city. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BARBER’S  SIXTH  BROTHER. 

Shacabac,  my  youngest  brother,  was  so  poor  that  he  was 
reduced  to  beggary ; but  having  some  humor,  he  contrived 
to  fare  tolerably  well.  It  happened,  one  evening,  that  he  ap- 
plied for  an  alms  at  the  palace  of  a Barmecide,  when  the  por- 
ter said  to  him,  Go  in  and  find  out  our  master  ; he  will  not 
send  you  away  dissatisfied.’’ 

Thus  encouraged,  my  brother  entered  the  palace,  and 
strolled  from  room  to  room,  till  he  came  into  a hall  adorned 
with  paintings  of  gold,  azure  foliage,  and  splendidly  furnished. 
At  the  upper  end  of  this  room  he  saw  a venerable  man  with  a 
long  white  beard,  whose  appearance  carried  with  it  an  air  of 
dignity.  My  brother  concluded,  as  was  the  truth,  that  it  was 
the  master  of  the  house  ; he  saluted  him  therefore  with  the 
greatest  respect.  The  Barmecide  received  him  kindly,  and 
asked  him  what  he  wanted.  Shacabac,  in  an  humble  manner, 
related  his  necessities,  and  besought  relief ; concluding  his  sad 
tale  by  declaring  that  he  had  not  eaten  anything  the  whole  day. 

The  Barmecide,  when  my  brother  had  ended,  put  his  hands 
to  his  garments,  as  if  he  would  have  rent  his  clothes.  Is  it 
possible,”  said  he,  “that  such  a man  as  you  can  be  as  poor  as 
you  say  } This  must  not  be.  Bir  jome,  as  you  have  not  eaten 
to-day,  you  must  be  ready  to  die  with  hunger.  Ho,  boy ! bring 
in  the  water  to  wash  our  hands,  and  order  supper  immediately.” 
Shacabac  was  confounded  at  this  gracious  reception,  and  was 
about  to  express  his  gratitude,  when  the  Barmecide  began  to 
rub  his  hands,  as  though  some  one  poured  water  on  them,  and 
invited  my  brother  to  come  and  wash  with  him.  No  boy  ap- 
peared, nor  was  there  either  basin  or  water ; yet  my  brother 
thought  he  ought  not,  in  complaisance,  contradict  his  host ; he 
came  forward,  therefore,  and  did  as  he  did. 

“Come,”  said  the  Barmecide,  “let  us  now  have  supper/^ 


^50 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAINAIEN7'S, 


and  though  nothing  was  brought,  he  pretended  to  cut  as  if  a 
dish  of  meat  were  before  him,  and  began  to  chew,  saying  to  my 
brother,  “ Eat,  friend  ; eat  heartily.  You  said  you  were  hungry, 
but  you  proceed  as  if  you  had  no  appetite.’’  Shacabac  gave 
readily  into  the  joke,  and  imitating  the  Barmecide,  said,  “You 
see,  my  lord,  I lose  no  time.”  “Boy,”  said  the  old  gentleman, 
“ bring  us  another  dish.  Come,  my  good  friend,  taste  of  this 
mutton  and  barley  broth,  unless  you  prefer  part  of  that  goose, 
with  sweet  sauce,  vinegar,  honey,  rasins,  gray  peas,  and  dry 
figs ; eat,  however,  sparingly  of  it,  as  we  have  a variety  of  good 
things  to  come.”  Shacabac,  fainting  with  hunger,  pretended 
to  feast  heartily  on  these  invisible  dainties.  The  Barmecide 
continued  to  call  for  other  dishes,  and  boasted  much  of  a lamb 
fed  with  pistachio  nuts : “ a dish,”  said  he,  ‘‘you  will  find  at  no 
table  but  mine  ; let  me  help  you  to  some,  and  judge  if  I have 
not  reason  to  praise  it.”  My  brother  made  as  if  he  received 
the  lamb,  and  ate  it  with  great  pleasure.  “ Nothing  can  be 
more  delicious,”  said  he ; “ your  table,  my  lord,  abounds  with 
good  things.”  Eat  heartily,  then,”  said  the  Barmecide  ; “ you 
cannot  oblige  me  more.”  “You  see,  my  lord,”  replied  my 
brother,  “ how  I testify  my  approbation.” 

' An  imaginary  dessert  succeeded.  The  Barmecide  did  not 
fail  to  recommend  the  several  fruits  and  confections.  Shacabac 
extolled  them  yet  more;  till,  tired  of  moving  his  jaws  and 
having  nothing  to  eat,  he  declared  he  could  eat  no  more.  “ Let 
us  drink  then,”  said  the  Barmecide.  “ Bring  some  wine.” 
“ Excuse  me,  my  lord,”  said  Shacabac,  “ I will  drink  no  wine, 
because  it  is  forbidden.”  “You  are  too  scrupulous,”  replied 
his  host ; “ you  must  not  refuse  to  keep  me  company.”  “ I 
cannot  refuse  your  lordship,”  replied  my  brother,  “ but  must 
entreat  you  not  to  urge  the  glass ; for  I am  not  accustomed  to 
wine,  and  fear  lest  it  should  betray  me  into  anything  like  disre- 
spect to  you.”  “ Wine,  here  ! ” called  out  the  Barmecide  ; then 
holding  out  his  hand,  as  if  to  receive  a bottle,  he  turned  to  my 
brother,  and  seemed  to  fill  him  a glass,  and  himself  another. 
Shacabac  made  as  if  he  took  up  a glass,  and  bowing  very  low, 
drank  the  health  of  his  host.  The  Barmecide  continued  to 
he  supply  his  guest  with  imaginary  bumpers,  till  at  length  my 
brother  (weary  of  the  joke,  and  beginning  to  be  a little  out  of 
humor)  affected  to  be  drunk,  got  up  from  his  seat,  and  gave  the 
Barmecide  so  hearty  a box  on  the  ear,  that  he  knocked  him 
down.  He  was  about  to  repeat  the  blow,  but  the  old  gentle- 
man calling  out,  he  pretended  to  come  to  himself.  “ You  have 
been  so  good,  my  lord,”  said  he,  “ to  admit  your  slave  to  your 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


table,  and  to  give  him  a noble  treat ; but  you  should  not  have 
compelled  me  to  drink  wine,  as  I told  you  I feared  it  would 
cause  me  to  misbehave,  which  I am  exceedingly  sorry  it  has 
done.’’ 

The  Barmecide,  instead  of  being  in  a rage,  laughed  heartily. 

‘‘  I have  long  wished,”  said  he,  ^‘for  a man  of  your  character ; 
but  come,  we  will  now  sup  in  good  earnest.”  Saying  this,  he 
clapped  his  hands,  and  the  servants  appearing,  he  ordered  sup- 
per ; and  the  several  dishes  they  had  tasted  of  in  fancy  were 
really  set  before  them. 

The  old  gentleman,  finding  my  brother  a man  of  good  under- 
standing, as  well  as  of  much  pleasantry,  retained  him  in  his 
service.  For  twenty  years  Shacabac  lived  happy  in  his  protec- 
tion ; but  then  the  generous  Barmecide  died,  and  his  estate 
being  seized  by  the  caliph,  his  dependants  were  all  dismissed. 

Shacabac  after  this  undertook  a pilgrimage  to  Mecca.  The 
caravan  he  joined  was  attacked  and  dispersed  by  a number  of 
Bedouins,  and  my  brother  became  a slave  to  one  of  them.  His 
afflictions  in  this  situation  were  very  grievous,  till  at  length  I 
heard  of  distress,  ransomed  him,  and  brought  him  home. 

The  sultan  of  Casgar  was  highly  pleased  with  these  stories,  * 
and  expressed  a desire  to  see  this  talkative  barber.  He  was 
soon  found  and  introduced  to  the  sultan.  His  appearance  was 
respectable ; he  had  a pleasant  countenance  and  his  long 
beard,  as  white  as  snow,  denoted  his  age,  which  was  upward  of 
ninety.  The  prince  received  him  very  graciously,  but  laughed 
at  him  for  his  prattling.  “ It  would  be  a bad  time  for  me,” 
said  he,  ‘‘  to  be  silent  now  : I have  heard  the  story  of  little 
Hunchback,  and  am  acquainted  with  the  regard  your  majesty 
had  for  him  ; I beg  I may  be  permitted  to  examine  the  body.” 

After  having  surveyed  it  some  time,  the  barber  fell  into  a 
great  fit  of  laughter,  without  considering  the  respect  due  to  the 
sultan.  ‘‘  Silence,  man,”  said  the  prince  to  him  ; “why  do  you 
laugh  so  ? ” 

“ I swear  by  your  majesty’s  good-humors,”  answered  the 
barber,  “ that  this  is  a very  extraordinary  business.  Hunch- 
back is  not  dead.  If  I do  not  immediately  restore  him,  1 am 
content  to  pass  for  the  prattling  fellow  I have  been  very  un- 
handsomely called.”  Saying  this,  he  put  an  instrument  down 
Hunchback’s  throat,  and  pulled  ©ut  a bit  of  fish  and  bone,  which 
he  showed  to  the  sultan  ; he  then  took  out  a vial  of  balsam, 
with  which  he  rubbed  Hunchback’s  neck,  who  presently  sneezed, 
and  gave  other  signs  of  life,  and  in  a short  time  was  perfectly 
recovered. 


IS2 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


The  sultan  was  astonished  at  this  wonderful  cure.  He 
formed  a very  different  opinion  of  the  barber  from  what  he  had 
before  conceived ; and  engaged  him  in  his  service,  as  a man  of 
very  singular  abilities.  Before  he  dismissed  the  tailor,  the 
Jewish  doctor,  the  purveyor,  and  the  Christian  merchant,  he 
ordered  each  of  them  to  be  clothed,  in  his  presence,  with  a rich 
robe  of  honor,  as  a recompense  for  their  integrity  and  their 
sufferings. 

THE  HISTORY  OF  ABOULHASSEN  ALI  EBN  BECAR,  AND 

SCHEMSELNIHAR,  FAVORITE  OF  THE  CALIPH  HAROUN 

ALRASCHID. 

The  king  of  the  isle  of  Ebene  having  the  audacity  to  rebel 
against  the  illustrious  Haroun  Alraschid,  to  whom  he  was  tribu- 
tary, the  caliph  sent  a powerful  army  to  chastise  him.  The 
event  showed  the  rashness  of  the  insurgents.  The  natives  of 
Ebene  were  soon  subdued,  and  their  king  with  all  his  family, 
except  an  infant  daughter,  fell  in  the  dispute. 

The  princess,  too  young  to  oe  sensible  of  her  misfortune, 
was  brought  to  Bagdad,  and  educated  in  the  harem  of  the 
caliph.  Nature  had  endowed  her  with  every  amiable  qualifica- 
tion ; and  the  utmost  pains  were  taken  in  her  education.  As 
she  approached  the  age  of  a woman,  her  beauty  increased,  and 
received  such  lustre  from  her  vivacity,  her  wit,  and  elegant  ac- 
complishments, that  she  became  irresistible. 

The  caliph  ever  treated  her  with  great  tenderness  ; her 
sprightly  yet  artless  carriage,  her  gentle  manners  and  benevo- 
lent disposition,  gained  exceedingly  on  his  affections  ; and  when 
time  had  ripened  the  beauties  of  her  person,  the  amorous  prince 
declared  his  intention  of  sharing  with  her  the  throne  of  Persia. 

Schemselnihar  heard  this  determination  of  the  caliph  with 
pleasure.  She  had  been  accustomed  to  his  endearments  from 
her  infancy ; she  felt  a filial  affection  for  him,  which  she  sup- 
posed was  love.  The  caliph,  though  four  times  her  age,  was 
pleasant  and  agreeable.  As  she  was  debarred  the  sight  of  al) 
men,  except  him  and  his  attendants,  she  thought  him  the  most 
amiable  of  mankind.  If  she  reflected  on  her  approaching  nup- 
tials without  desire,  it  was  without  disgust  also.  Matters  were 
in  this  situation,  when  business  of  emergency  obliged  the  caliph 
to  leave  the  capital  for  a short  time. 

The  affairs  of  the  harem  were  managed  by  an  old  slave 
named  Fatima.  It  was  a part  of  her  duty  to  provide  everything 
necessary,  in  the  city ; and  the  person  she  used  to  apply  to  for 


aI^ABIAN  NIGHI'S^  ENTER 7A INMEATS, 


153 


what  she  wanted,  was  Ebn  Thaher,  a considerable  merchant  of 
great  integrity.  Fatima  had  attended  on  Schemselnihar  from 
her  infancy,  and  was  attached  to  her  by  the  most  tender  affec- 
tion. She  used  often  to  speak  of  her  to  Ebn  Thaher,  with  the 
fondness  of  a mother  ; and  had  as  often  occasion  to  praise  the 
obliging  disposition  of  the  merchant  to  Schemselnihar. 

A few  days  after  the  departure  of  the  caliph,  a strange  whim 
seized  the  young  lady.  She  had  a desire  to  see  the  city,  and 
besought  Fatima  to  take  her  with  her  the  next  time  she  went 
thither.  Fatima,  little  apprehending  any  bad  consequence, 
fondly  consented,  and  apprised  the  merchant  that  on  an  ap- 
pointed day  the  caliph’s  favorite  would  come  in  private  to  view 
the  city,  and  intended  to  repose  at  his  house. 

Ebn  Thaher  received  her  with  all  possible  respect ; but  it 
so  happened  that,  when  she  arrived,  there  was  with  the  mer- 
chant a young  nobleman,  of  the  ancient  royal  family  of  Persia, 
named  Aboulhassen  Ali  Ebn  Becar.  This  prince  had  received 
from  nature  every  advantage  of  body  and  mind,  nor  had  he 
neglected  to  cultivate  them.  Schemselnihar  was  struck  with 
him  at  first  sight ; and  when  he  would  have  modestly  withdrawn, 
she  made  signs  to  Fatima  that  she  should  not  let  him  depart. 
When  a collation  was  brought  in,  the  ladies  unveiled,  and  Aboul- 
hassen in  his  turn  was  fascinated  by  the  beauty  of  the  princess. 
The  intention  of  viewing  the  city  was  at  end.  Schemselnihar, 
new  to  love,  indulged  sensations  so  delightful,  and  thought  only 
how  she  might  make  herself  agreeable  to  Aboulhassen  ; who, 
on  his  part,  became  entirely  enamored.  They  remained  to- 
gether till  evening,  and  parted  with  inexpressible  reluctance  on 
both  sides. 

New  ideas  now  took  possession  of  Schemselnihar,  among 
which  none  so  often  arose  as  an  abhorrence  of  marriage  with 
the  caliph.  She  devoted  herself  to  her  beloved  Aboulhassen  ; 
and  though  she  saw  no  probability  of  being  united  to  him,  yet 
she  determined  to  encourage  that  hope.  The  indulgent  Fatima 
reasoned  with  her  against  so  improper  an  attachment,  but  mis- 
led by  her  fondness  for  the  princess,  she  repeatedly  permitted 
interviews  between  the  two  lovers  at  the  house  of  Ebn  Thaher. 
The  merchant  also,  though  he  pointed  out  to  the  prince  the 
folly  and  danger  of  his  pursuit,  was  yet  weak  enough  to  pro- 
mote the  meetings  of  the  young  couple. 

The  caliph  had  put  Schemselnihar  in  possession  of  the 
apartments  belonging  to  the  royal  consort,  and  had  permitted 
her  to  select  her  own  attendants.  The  infatuated  princess  de- 
termined to  give  Aboulhassen  an  entertainment  worthy  her  love  : 


154 


ARAB lAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


and  wnen  everything  was  ready,  she  sent  Fatima  to  conduct  him 
and  the  merchant  to  partake  of  it.  The  faithful  slave  executed 
her  dangerous  commission  with  dexterity,  and  contrived  to  in- 
troduce them  unnoticed  within  the  apartments  of  the  princess. 

The  reception  was  magnificent.  A wonderful  display  of 
diamonds  and  rubies,  fixed  in  burnished  gold,  and  disposed  in 
the  most  beautiful  forms,  delighted  the  eye  ; columns  of  the 
rarest  marble  supported  the  dome  ; between  them  were  placed 
vessels  of  agate,  porphyry,  jet,  jasper,  crystal,  and  other  pre- 
cious materials  : the  floor  was  covered  with  the  richest  carpet- 
ing, and  the  walks  in  the  gardens  were  formed  of  little  stones 
of  various  colors,  so  as  to  resemble  the  carpet  in  the  saloon 
and  seem  a continuation  of  it ; two  beautiful  canals  watered 
the  trees  and  shrubs,  which  were  of  the  rarest  kind,  and  planted 
with  great  judgment : their  odors  gratified  the  smell,  as  the 
charming  concerts  of  the  singing-birds  did  the  ear ; in  a word, 
everything  was  to  be  found  which  luxury  or  grandeur  could 
possibly  desire. 

In  this  terrestrial  paradise  the  love-sick  Schemselnihar  re- 
ceived her  equally  enamored  Aboulhassen,  unmindful  of  her 
engagement  with  the  commander  of  the  Faithful,  whom  she  now 
began  to  think  of  with  terror  and  abhorrence  ; nor  did  the 
prince  suffer  the  fear  of  future  evils,  or  of  present  danger,  to 
damp  the  delight  he  felt  at  being  received  with  so  much  dis- 
tinction by  the  object  of  his  vows.  The  entertainment  was 
sumptuous  beyond  description,  and  was  followed  by  an  admi- 
rable concert ; after  which  Aboulhassen  and  Schemselnihar 
sung  to  each  other  by  turns  extempore  verses,  descriptive  of 
their  mutual  affection,  which  they  neither  wished  to  restrain 
nor  conceal.  They  plighted  vows  of  unceasing  constancy,  and 
seemed,  by  seizing  the  present  moment,  to  snatch  those  joys 
from  the  power  of  fortune  before  a fatal  interruption  should  put 
an  end  to  them  forever. 

That  event  was  even  now  come.  Their  caresses  were  dis- 
turbed by  a message  to  Schemselnihar,  announcing  the  arrival 
of  the  caliph,  and  his  intention  of  presently  visiting  her.  The 
distress  of  the  lovers  could  only  be  equalled  by  the  despair  of 
Ebn  Thaher,  who  gave  himself  up  for  lost.  Fatima  alone  had 
recollection.  She  ordered  the  slaves  immediately  to  prepare 
for  the  reception  of  the  caliph ; she  tore  the  lovers  asunder, 
and  as  it  was  impossible  to  convey  the  visitors  away,  at  that 
time,  without 'discovery,  she  conducted  them  to  a place  where 
chey  might  continue  in  safety. 

By  the  time  the  caliph  arrived  all  was  in  order,  and  Sckem- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAIiVMENTS, 


ISS 

selnihar  tolerably  composed.  Haroun  embraced  her  with  great 
affection  ; and  seeing  everything  set  out  with  the  utmost  splen- 
dor, made  no  doubt  but  that  she  had  decorated  the  palace  in  this 
manner  for  his  reception.  Observing  the  saloon  was  shut,  he 
asked  the  reason,  when  Schemselnihar  made  signs  to  have  it 
thrown  open.  Immediately  the  grandest  illumination  that  can 
be  conceived  was  discovered.  A spectacle,  not  more  brilliant 
than  unexpected,  which  the  caliph  received  as  a proof  of  the 
princess’  attachment  to  him,  but  which  she  had  prepared  for  a 
very  different  purpose. 

From  the  time  the  saloon  was  thrown  open,  the  prince  of 
Persia  could  see  from  his  hiding-place  everything  that  passed 
in  the  hall ; and  had  the  torment  of  beholding  his  beloved 
Schemselnihar  obliged  to  receive  the  caresses  of  his  too  power- 
ful rival.  Ebn  Thaher  could  with  difficulty  restrain  his  trans* 
ports.  At  length  a concert  commenced,  in  the  course  of  which 
the  princess  addressed  a most  passionate  air  to  Aboulhassen, 
and  sang  it  with  so  much  feeling,  that  she  herself  was  overcome 
with  it,  and  fainted  away.  The  caliph,  who  still  applied  every- 
thing, that  passed  to  himself,  was  exceedingly  concerned,  and 
busied  himself  very  earnestly  in  endeavoring  to  restore  her. 
At  this  juncture  Fatima  went  to  dismiss  the  prince  and  his 
friend,  but  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  effecting  it.  Aboul- 
hassen had  sympathized  so  truly  with  the  princess,  that  he  also 
had  fainted  ; and  when  Ebn  Thaher,  at  last,  with  the  assist- 
ance of  Fatima,  got  him  safe  out  of  the  palace  and  conveyed 
him  home,  he  was  obliged  to  be  put  to  bed,  whence  he  could 
not  rise  for  several  days. 

This  accident  opened  the  eyes  of  Ebn  Thaher.  He  saw  at 
once  the  consequences  of  this  fatal  intrigue  ; and  that  if  he 
could  not  persuade  the  prince  of  Persia  to  drop  all  thoughts  of 
carrying  it  on,  he  had  but  one  way  to  escape  inevitable  ruin. 
As  soon  as  the  prince  was  tolerably  recovered,  the  merchant,  in 
the  most  animated  manner,  pointed  out  to  him  the  certain  de- 
struction he  would  bring  not  only  on  himself,  but  on  the  lovely 
Schemselnihar  also,  if  he  did  not  subdue  his  ill-placed  passion. 
Ebn  Thaher  reasoned,  but  Aboulhassen  loved.  Deaf  as  the 
winds  to  any  advice  that  made  against  his  wishes,  he  declared 
that  no  danger,  however  pressing,  should  make  him  for  one 
moment  cease  to  adore  her.  ‘‘  I know  not  yet,”  continued  he, 
‘‘what  measures  I can  pursue  to  rescue  my  princess  from  a 
situation  so  terrible  to  us  both  ; but  something  I will  attempt  j 
and  if  I perish,  I shall  have  the  satisfaction  of  giving  up  my 
iife  for  one  that  well  deserves  such  a sacrifice.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Ebn  Thaher  was  still  more  alarmed  at  this  conversation. 
He  settled  his  affairs  with  all  possible  despatch  ; and  two  days 
after  he  took  his  family  with  him,  and  set  off  for  Balsora,  under 
pretence  of  business  which  would  oblige  him  to  reside  there  for 
some  time.  The  merchant,  by  this  prudent  measure,  secured 
himself ; and,  in  fact,  did  all  he  could  to  save  the  lovers.  As 
all  intercourse  was  now  at  an  end,  they  would  probably  have 
submitted  reluctantly  to  their  destiny,  if  an  accident  had  not 
enabled  them  to  continue  their  correspondence. 

Opposite  Ebn  Thaher’s  house  there  lived  a jeweller  who, 
having  little  business  to  employ  him,  bestowed  much  of  his  at- 
tention on  his  neighbors.  Shrewd,  artful,  and  avaricious,  he 
sought  to  turn  everything  to  his  own  advantage,  and  having  a 
pleasant  carriage,  which  hid  his  vices,  he  was  but  too  often 
successful. 

This  man  had  not  been  a careless  observer  of  what  passed 
at  Ebn  Thaher’s.  He  noticed  that  Fatima  and  the  prince  of 
Persia  met  continually  there  ; and  that  the  former  frequently 
brought  another  woman  with  her,  who,  though  closely  veiled, 
had  an  air  of  distinction,  and  was  manifestly  much  yoimger. 
The  illness  of  the  prince,  the  distress  of  the  merchant,  he  had 
not  failed  to  remark.  Being  a little  acquainted  with  Ebn  Tha- 
her, he  ventured  to  question  him  on  these  subjects  ; and  though 
the  merchant  was  careful,  and  almost  silent,  yet  his  confusion 
and  the  little  he  did  say,  afforded  some  information  to  his  busy 
neighbor.  Ebn  Thaher,  leaving  Bagdad  abruptly,  confirmed 
this  sagacious  fellow  in  his  opinion,  that  the  prince  had  dared 
to  intrigue  in  the  harem  of  the  caliph  ; and  that  the  amour  was 
carried  on  by  Fatima  and  the  merchant. 

In  the  mean  time  the  situation  of  the  lovers  was  truly  pith 
able.  Aboulhassen,  tormented  by  a contrariety  of  passions,  was 
too  ill  to  leave  his  house ; and  the  princess  had  no  other  con- 
solation, under  a severe  indisposition,  but  that  it  prevented  the 
caliph  from  urging  a completion  of  their  nuptials.  At  length 
impatience  to  hear  from  her  lover  made  her  send  Fatima  to  Ebn 
Thaher’s  to  inquire  after  him.  The  trusty  slave  was  exceed- 
ingly shocked  to  find  the  house  shut  up ; and  was  at  a loss 
which  way  to  act,  when  she  saw  the  jeweller  make  signs  for  her 
to  enter  his  house.  He  told  her  that  Ebn  Thaher  had  left 
Bagdad  in  haste,  and  that  the  prince  of  Persia  was  ill.  Then, 
by  making  the  most  of  what  he  did  know,  and  affecting  to  know 
more  than  he  did,  he  easily  obtained  from  the  affrighted  and 
simple  Fatima  all  the  particulars  of  the  affair. 

The  sordid  jeweller  debated  with  himself  whether  he  should 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


157 

not  disclose  the  business  to  the  caliph  ; but  after  a little  pause, 
recollecting  that  the  prince  of  Persia  was  very  rich,  and  that 
Schemselnihar  could  command  unlimited  treasure,  he  was  not 
long  at  a loss  which  side  to  choose.  He  concluded  the  lovers 
would  pay  more  liberally  for  his  assistance  in  carrying  on  their 
amour  than  the  caliph  would  for  a disagreeable  piece  of  intel- 
ligence. He  declared  himself,  therefore,  ready  to  supply  the 
place  of  Ebn  Thaher,  and  with  equal  zeal,  but  more  courage,  to 
promote  the  wishes  of  the  lovers. 

Fatima  resolved  to  venture,  for  once,  to  go  to  the  house  of  the 
prince  of  Persia,  directing  the  jeweller  to  follow  her  thither. 
Aboulhassen  was  rejoiced  to  see  the  faithful  slave,  but  his  joy 
was  of  short  duration.  He  was  distressed  beyond  measure  for 
the  illness  of  his  mistress  ; and  when  he  was  acquainted  with 
the  desertion  of  Ebn  Thaher,  he  was  overwhelmed  with  afflic- 
tion. Fatima  gave  him  every  consolation  in  her  power  ; and 
when  he  had  listened  to  her  a wdiile,  she  concluded  with  re- 
lating to  him  the  offer  of  the  jeweller. 

Despair  compelled  him  to  embrace  this  hazardous  assist- 
ance. The  jeweller  was  introduced  to  him,  and  vowed  fidelity. 
Fatima,  having  settled  in  what  manner  he  was  to  meet  her,  and 
convey  letters  or  messages  between  the  lovers,  took  her  leave 
of  the  prince  and  returned  to  the  palace. 

For  some  time,  by  means  of  the  zeal  and  activity  of  the  new 
emissary,  a regular  correspondence  took  place  between  Aboul- 
hassen and  the  princess.  The  avarice  of  the  jeweller  was 
gratified  beyond  his  hopes ; he  scrupled,  therefore,  no  danger 
to  oblige  his  benefactors.  Matters  could  not  remain  long  in 
this  undecided  situation.  Schemselnihar  daily  grew  better ; 
and  the  caliph,  who  had  been  much  afflicted  at  her  illness,  be- 
gan to  congratulate  her  on  her  recovery.  The  preparations  for 
the  royal  marriage  were  no  longer  suspended  ; and  to  prevent 
its  taking  place,  the  lovers  resolved  on  elopement. 

The  jeweller  was  directed  to  take  a house  in  an  obscure 
part  of  the  town,  without  the  gates,  where  they  proposed  to 
continue  till  the  fury  of  the  search  was  over ; as  he  had  great 
reason  to  fear  he  should  be  suspected,  when  the  prince  and 
princess  absconded,  he  determined  to  accompany  his  patrons  in 
their  flight.  His  wealth  by  this  time  was  considerable  ; and  he 
could  not  bear  to  leave  it  to  the  care  of  others  ; he  packed  it 
up,  therefore,  in  small  bundles,  and  removed  it  from  his  own 
habitation  to  the  house  he  had  taken  for  the  prince. 

On  the  evening  of  their  intended  escape,  as  soon  as  it  was 
dark,  Schemselnihar  and  her  favorite  contrived,  with  great  d\£- 


158  ARAB! AN  NIGHTS  ENTIiR2AiNMl:.^\  * o 


ficulty,  to  elude  the  eunuchs  and  leave  the  palace.  Aboulhassen 
and  the  jeweller  were  ready  to  receive  them,  and  convey  them 
to  the  house  prepared  by  the  latter,  where  they  arrived  unob* 
served.  But  they  had  scarce  time  to  congratulate  each  other, 
when  the  building  (which  stood  apart  from  any  other)  was  sur^ 
rounded  by  a body  of  men,  who  broke  open  the  doors  ; and 
having  plundered  the  house  of  everything  valuable  (among  which 
was  the  whole  of  the  jeweller’s  treasure),  they  seized  the  whole 
company  and  conveyed  them  over  the  river  into  an  adjoining 
forest. 

These  men  were  a banditti  who  harbored  there,  and  had 
by  some  means  obtained  a knowledge  that  the  jeweller  had  con 
veyed  much  wealth  into  a house  which  stood  alone  and  con- 
venient for  their  purpose.  On  their  arrival  at  their  retreat  they 
examined  their  prisoners  separately  ; from  the  prince,  fron? 
Schemselnihar,  and  Fatima,  they  obtained  no  information;  but 
the  dastardly  jeweller  confessed  immediately  who  they  were. 
The  event  was  not  unfavorable.  The  captain  of  the  banditti 
had  been  a slave  of  Aboulhassen’s  father  ; as  soon  as  he  heard 
that  one  of  his  prisoners  was  the  prince  of  Persia,  he  set  them 
all  at  liberty,  and  ordered  his  comrades  to  convey  them  back 
again,  promising  also  to  restore  the  plunder,  as  soon  as  it  could 
be  collected  together. 

The  banditti  conducted  them  to  the  Tigris,  and  landed  them 
on  the  side  next  the  city.  But  as  they  were  about  to  return  to 
the  jeweller’s  house,  they  fell  in  with  a brigade  of  the  city  guard, 
who  examined  them  with  great  strictness,  and  were  by  no 
means  satisfied  with  their  vague  manner  of  answering.  They 
were  about  to  take  them  into  custody,  when  Schemselnihar, 
seeing  there  was  noway  to  escape,  resolved  to  throw  herself  on 
the  humanity  of  the  commander.  She  drew  him  aside  and  de' 
dared  who  she  was.  The  officer  behaved  to  her  with  the 
greatest  respect ; he  ordered  a boat  to  convey  her  and  her  slave 
to  the  water-gate  of  the  palace,  and  dismissed  Aboulhassen  and 
the  jeweller  civilly ; though  he  would  not  suffer  either  of  them 
to  speak  again  to  the  princess  or  her  attendant. 

The  prince  of  Persia  returned  to  his  own  house,  overcome 
with  fatigue,  grief  and  despair.  He  refused  to  listen  to  the 
consolations  offered  him  by  his  companion.  His  imagination 
saw  everything  in  the  most  fearful  and  tormenting  light.  His 
heart  boded  only  calamity,  and  the  prognostication  was  too 
fully  verified. 

The  day  following,  Fatima  came  to  the  jeweller  in  great 
haste,  and  drowned  in  tears.  “ I have  once  more,”  said  she, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


IS9 

‘‘  left  the  palace.  My  business  is  to  warn  you  and  the  prince  of 
Persia  of  your  danger.  The  whole  intrigue  is  just  discovered 
to  the  caliph  by  a perfidious  slave  whom  Schemselnihar  hath 
lately  punished.  Judge  what  a situation  we  are  all  in  ! For 
my  part,  I am  determined  to  return  immediately,  and  share  the 
fate  of  my  beloved  mistress ; we  may  possibly  escape  ; but  for 
you  and  Aboulhassen  there  is  no  hope.  Fly,  therefore,  this 
instant,  and  save  yourself  from  torture  and  from  death.” 

The  jeweller  was  too  much  alarmed  to  neglect  a moment 
this  important  advice.  He  hastened  to  the  prince  of  Persia, 
and,  notwithstanding  his  indisposition,  prevailed  with  him  to 
rise  and  leave  Bagdad  with  the  utmost  speed.  They  secured  a 
supply  of  money  and  jewels,  and  set  off  for  Anbar,  travelling 
two  days  without  stopping  ; but  just  before  they  could  reach  a 
place  of  safety,  they  were  surrounded  by  thieves,  who  plundered 
them  of  everything. 

They  arrived  at  Anbar  the  next  evening,  and  the  jeweller 
rejoiced  that  they  were  out  of  the  power  of  the  caliph  ; but  the 
prince,  whose  spirits  had  been  kept  up  only  on  the  present 
danger,  sank  under  the  pressure  of  so  many  calamities.  He 
languished  two  days  in  the  house  of  a charitable  Mussulman, 
who  had  taken  pity  of  their  distress,  and  then  died — expressing 
in  his  last  moments  his  undiminished  love  for  the  beauteous 
Schemselnihar. 

The  jeweller  now  found  himself  in  a very  distressed  situa- 
tion. Deprived  of  the  great  riches  he  had  obtained  by  his  in- 
trigues ; his  patron  dead ; his  hopes  annihilated  ; an  exile  from 
his  country,  his  avaricious  spirit  still  remained  ; and  he  deter- 
mined to  hazard  new  dangers,  in  hopes  of  recovering  what  he 
had  lost.  He  knew  the  banditti  had  engaged  to  restore  what 
they  had  taken  from  his  house  ; and  he  was  not  without  hope 
that  it  might  have  been  delivered  to  his  family.  The  prince  of 
Persia  had  a mother,  who  inherited  his  vast  wealth,  and  he  was 
willing  to  believe  that  she  would  reward  his  attachment  to  her 
son.  On  these  considerations,  he  revealed  to  his  host  the  rank 
of  the  deceased,  and  engaged  him  to  deposit  the  body  for  a 
short  time  in  a neighboring  mosque ; and,  after  staying  a few 
months  at  Anbar,  he  ventured  to  return  to  Bagdad. 

As  he  entered  the  city  in  the  evening,  he  saw  a woman  in 
deep  mourning,  whose  form  reminded  him  of  Fatima.  He  fol- 
lowed her  some  thne,  till  she  entered  a stately  mausoleum, 
lately  built.  Perceiving  no  one  near,  he  called  to  her,  on  which 
she  turned  round,  and  he  saw  it  was  the  favorite  of  Schemsel- 
nihar. She  knew  him  also  immediately,  and  made  signs  for 


1-60  ARABIATT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

him  to  enter  the  building  quickly,  when  she  related  to  him  the 
fate  of  her  mistress. 

When  the  treacherous  slave,’’  said  she,  discovered  to  the 
caliph  what  had  passed  between  Aboulhassen  and  Schemsel- 
liliar,  the  commander  of  the  Faithful  ordered  her  to  appear 
•jfore  him.  It  was  at  that  time,  when  terrified  for  the  fate  of 
cr  beloved  prince  more  than  for  her  own,  she  sent  me  to  you 
- ipprise  you  of  the  danger.  You  will  suppose  the  caliph  in- 
i.ilged  the  highest  transports  of  rage  and  jealousy,  but  he  did 
|cite  the  contrary.  He  received  her  with  tenderness,  made 
her  sit  down  by  him,  and  then  gently  questioned  her  respect- 
ing the  prince  of  Persia.  Schemselnihar  had  neither  spirits 
nor  inclination  to  conceal  the  truth  ; on  which  the  caliph  said, 
‘ I alone  am  to  blame  in  this  affair ; I ought  to  have  considered 
that  in  marriage,  age  and  youth  agree  but  ill  together.  I love 
you,  Schemselnihar,’  continued  the  generous  prince,  ‘ and  ever 
shall ; but  in  future  it  shall  be  like  the  love  of  a father,  not  a 
husband.  I will  myself  give  you  to  Aboulhassen  ; send  him 
word  of  the  good  fortune  that  awaits  him.’ 

“ The  princess,  who  had  been  so  long  torn  with  contending 
passions,  and  spent  with  the  fatigue  of  her  late  unfortunate  ex- 
cursion, and  who  at  this  moment  expected  a very  different  sen- 
tence, could  not  support  the  conflict  in  her  bosom.  She  sank 
into  the  arms  of  the  caliph  and  expired. 

“The  commander  of  the  Faithful  was  much  afflicted  at  her 
death.  He  caused  her  body  to  be  deposited  in  this  noble  tomb 
with  great  ceremony,  and  has  honored  me  with  the  charge  of 
it,  allowing  me  a handsome  pension  for  my  support.  I ought 
also  to  tell  you  that  he  commanded  Ebn  Thaher  to  return  to 
bagdad,  and  hath  approved  of  his  conduct  in  this  delicate 
business.” 

Fatima,  having  finished  har  narrative,  was  informed  by  the 
jeweller  of  the  death  of  Aboulhassen ; and  they  joined  to  pay 
tlie  tribute  of  tears  to  the  memory  of  these  unfortunate  lovers. 
In  the  morning  Fatima  waited  on  the  caliph,  and  obtained 
his  permission  to  inter  the  body  of  the  prince  of  Persia  in  the 
same  tomb  with  his  beloved  mistress.  The  mercenary  jeweller 
was  the  only  victim  of  the  caliph’s  displeasure,  who  was  so  dis- 
pleased with  his  conduct,  that  he  confiscated  the  remainder  of 
his  effects,  and  banished  him  from  his  dominions. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


i6i 


THE  HISTORY  OF  CAMARALZAMAN,  PRINCE  OF  KHALE- 
DAN,  AND  BADOURA,  PRINCESS  OF  CHINA. 

Schahzaman,  king  of  Khaledan,  used  the  liberty  the  laws  or. 
Mohammed  allow  to  all  good  Mussulmans.  He  had  four  wives 
and  sixty  concubines.  The  most  beautiful  women  in  the  East 
were  to  be  found  in  his  harem  ; notwithstanding  which,  he 
continued  childless,  and  lost  all  relish  for  the  grandeur  and 
pleasures  of  a crown,  for  want  of  an  heir  to  succeed  him  in 
wearing  it. 

At  length,  when  all  hope  of  such  a blessing  was  nearly  over, 
and  the  king  began  to  find  old  age  approaching,  one  of  his 
wives  became  pregnant,  and  in  due  time  brought  him  a son,  so 
beautiful,  that  he  was  named  Camaralzaman^  or  the  moon  of 
the  age. 

As  the  prince  grew  up,  he  displayed  great  talents,  and  by 
the  king’s  command  was  early  permitted  to  take  his  seat  in 
council,  where  he  conducted  himself  so  ably  as  to  engage  the 
esteem  of  all  the  emirs,  and  give  great  pleasure  to  his  royal 
father.  That  prince  began  now  to  entertain  a hope  of  seeing 
his  descendants  in  the  next  degree ; for  which  purpose,  as  soon 
as  his  son  became  of  a suitable  age,  he  much  pressed  him  to 
marry. 

Camaralzaman  had  about  him  something  more  than  indif- 
ference for  women ; he  heard,  therefore,  this  desire  of  his  father 
with  great  concern.  He  put  it  off  at  first  by  pleading  youth, 
and  desiring  time.  After  waiting  a whole  year,  Schahzaman, 
finding  no  disposition  in  his  son  to  obey  him,  desired  the  mother 
of  the  prince  to  reason  with  him  on  the  subject.  Camaralza- 
man had  ever  behaved  with  the  utmost  duty  and  affection  to 
her,  and  the  king  hoped  much  from  her  influence  over  him  to 
procure  a willing  obedience  . to  his  commands. 

The  royal  mother  undertook  the  affair  with  great  zeal.  She 
reasoned  the  matter  over  with  the  prince  many  times,  and  in 
various  modes.  She  urged  his  duty  to  his  father,  to  his  future 
subjects,  and  to  posterity ; she  described  the  happiness  of 
conjugal  amity,  the  delights  of  parental  love.  The  prince  heard 
tier  with  an  indifference  bordering  on  impatience,  and  con- 
tinued firm  in  his  resolution  to  remain  unmarried. 

Another  year  glided  away,  and  Schahzaman  found  his  son 
still  averse  to  his  wishes.  He  determined,  therefore,  to  make 
the  young  man  pay  that  obedience  to  the  king  which  he  with- 
held from  the  father.  Without  the  least  previous  notice,  he 


i62 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAnVMENTS, 


took  the  opportunity  of  a general  meeting  of  the  emirs,  officers 
of  the  army  and  other  great  men,  and  publicly,  before  them  all, 
laid  his  commands  on  the  prince  to  choose  his  wife,  declaring 
it  was  not  safe  to  the  state  to  live  single  any  longer.  Every 
one  present  concurred  with  the  king  in  his  opinion.  Camaral- 
zaman,  surprised  and  enraged,  forgot  all  duty,  gave  way  to  his 
natural  impetuosity,  and  replied  to  his  father  with  so  much 
heat  and  acrimony,  that  the  king  found  himself  at  once  dis- 
obeyed and  affronted ; in  full  council  he  ordered  his  son,  there- 
fore, to  be  immediately  taken  away  to  prison. 

In  the  tower  where  the  prince  was  confined  there  was  a 
well,  which  was  the  retreat  of  a fairy  named  Maimoune.  At 
midnight,  when  she  came  forth  to  wander  about  the  world,  after 
her  wonted  custom,  she  saw  a light  in  Camaralzaman’s  cham- 
ber ; she  entered  it,  and  the  prince  being  fast  asleep,  she  ad- 
mired the  beauty  of  his  person  for  some  time,  after  which  she 
took  her  flight  into  the  middle  region  of  the  air. 

Maimoune  soon  after  met  a genie  named  Danhasch  ; he 
was  one  of  those  genii  who  rebelled  against  God.  The  great 
Solomon  had  obliged  Maimoune  to  conform. 

The  genie  would  gladly  have  avoided  her,  as  he  was  sen- 
sible how  much  power  she  had  over  him,  by  her  submission  to 
the  Almighty ; but  as  they  were  unawares  very  near,  he  ap- 
proached her  in  the  manner  of  a supplicant,  saying,  “ Brave 
Maimoune,  swear  to  me  in  the  name  of  the  great  Power  that 
thou  wilt  not  hurt  me,  and  I will  also  swear,  on  my  part  that 
I will  not  do  thee  any  harm.’’ 

“ Cursed  genie,”  replied  the  fairy,  “ wffiat  hurt  canst  thou  do 
me  ? I fear  thee  not.  But  as  thou  hast  desired  this  favor  of 
me,  I will  swear  not  to  hurt  thee.  Tell  me,  then,  wandering 
spirit,  whence  comest  thou,  what  hast  thou  seen,  and  what 
mischief  hast  thou  done  this  night  ? ” 

“You  meet  me  in  time  to  hear  something  that  is  wonder- 
ful,” said  Danhasch,  who  trembled  at  the  sight  of  the  fairy ; 
“ but,  charming  Maimoune,  promise  me  that  you  will  let  me  go 
on  in  my  way  when  I have  satisfied  your  demands.” 

“Go  on,  go  on,  cursed  spirit,”  replied  the  fairy;  “fear 
nothing ; dost  thou  think  I am  as  perfidious  an  elf  as  thyself, 
to  break  a solemn  oath  ? But  be  sure  you  tell  me  nothing  but 
the  truth,  or  I shall  certainly  clip  your  wings.” 

Danhasch  proceeded  to  acquaint  the  fairy  that  he  had  just 
come  from  China,  the  king  of  which  country  had  an  only  daugh- 
ter, whose  beauty  the  genie  spoke  of  in  the  most  ardent  terms. 
He  added  a story  of  her,  the  very  counterpart  of  that  of 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


163 

Camaralzaman,  “ that  her  father  was  exceedingly  desirous  she 
should  marry ; that  she  had  constantly  rejected  every  suitor  ^ 
and  that  at  last  the  king  of  China,  enraged  at  her  obstinacy, 
had  shut  her  up  in  prison,  though  doatingly  fond  of  her.’’  He 
concluded  by  repeating  the  most  lavish  applause  of  her  beauty, 
which  he  said  excelled  any  of  the  race  of  mortals. 

Instead  of  answering  the  genie,  Maimoune  burst  into  a 
violent  fit  of  laughter.  “ I have  just  left,”  said  she,  ‘‘  a prince, 
in  circumstances  nearly  the  same,  but  in  beauty,  I have  no 
doubt,  much  superior  to  your  princess.”  “ ’Tis  impossible ! ” 
replied  Danhasch.  ‘‘  Peace,  false  spirit  ! ” replied  the  fairy  ; 
“ you  only  wish  to  send  me  a long  way  on  a fruitless  errand. 
I am  convinced  no  mortal  can  excel  the  charming  youth  1 have 
just  left.” 

Danhasch  was  piqued  at  this.  “ If  you  will  permit  me, 
agreeable  Maimoune,”  said  he,  ‘‘  I will  immediately  convey  my 
princess  to  the  chamber  your  prince  is  in  ; we  may  then  com- 
pare them  at  our  leisure,  and  decide  our  dispute.”  “ Agreed,” 
replied  the  fairy,  “ provided  you  swear  to  return  the  lady  safe 
to  the  place  you  bring  her  from.’'  The  genie  swore  to  do  this  ; 
and  Maimoune  having  told  him  where  Camaralzaman  slept, 
went  thither  and  waited  his  arrival  with  the  princess. 

Danhasch  was  not  long  in  performing  this  business  : he  in- 
troduced the  princess,  still  asleep,  and  laid  her  by  the  side  of 
Camaralzaman.  The  fairy  and  the  genie  then  compared  them 
together,  and  each  claimed  the  victory.  Maimoune,  vexed  at 
the  contest,  stamped  her  foot  on  the  floor,  which  opened,  and 
there  appeared  a hideous  genie  with  six  horns  on  his  head,  and 
claws  on  his  hands  and  feet.  “ Cascheasch,”  said  Maimoune, 
I called  you  here  to  determine  between  me  and  that  vile 
genie ; which  is  the  most  handsome  of  these  two  mortals  'I 
View  them  well,  and  determine  impartially.” 

Cascheasch  surveyed  them  both  with  great  attention  and 
admiration.  After  a while  he  said  to  the  fairy,  ‘‘  It  is  impos- 
sible to  determine  your  dispute,  unless  you  cause  them  to  awake 
in  turn.  I shall  then  be  able,  by  observing  their  vivacity  and 
graceful  carriage,  to  decide  your  contest.” 

Maimoune  consented,  and,  changing  herself  into  a flea,  she 
stung  the  prince  so  sharply  in  the  neck,  that  he  awoke.  She 
then  resumed  her  own  form,  and  joined  the  genie,  continuing, 
as  they  were,  invisible. 

When  Camaralzaman  opened  his  eyes,  he  was  astonished  to 
find  by  him  a lady  of  such  exquisite  loveliness.  He  raised  him- 
self on  his  elbow,  and  gazed  upon  her  with  the  most  perfect 


164 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


admiration.  Her  blooming  youth,  her  incomparable  beauty, 
seized  his  heart  in  a moment ; and  he  felt  at  once  the  full 
power  of  love,  which  he  had  before  so  rigorously  resisted. 

He  saluted  her  with  the  utmost  fervor,  and  earnestly  en- 
deavored to  awaken  her.  At  length,  finding  she  continued  in 
a deep  sleep,  and  that  an  unusual  drowsiness  came  over  him- 
self, he  took  a ring  from  her  finger,  and  put  one  of  his  own  in 
its  place.  . He  had  scarcely  done  this,  when  a profound  sleep 
overcame  him. 

The  enchantments  of  the  fairy  produced  this  sleep  in  the 
prince  and  in  Badoura  (which  was  the  name  of  the  princess). 
Danhasch  now  became  a flea,  and  stung  Badoura  so  severely  on 
the  lip,  that  she  presently  awoke.  She  was  amazed,  in  her  turn, 
to  find  a young  man  lying  by  her ; and  observing  how  hand- 
some he  was,  her  wonder  became  admiration.  ‘‘  Is  it  you,’’ 
said  she,  “ that  the  king,  mv  father,  has  destined  for  my  hus- 
band ? Ah  ! if  he  had  introduced  you  to  me,  I should  never 
have  incensed  him  by  an  obstinate  refusal.”  The  princess 
had  too  much  modesty  to  awaken  her  supposed  husband,  but 
she  gazed  at  him  with  much  pleasure.  At  length  she  perceived 
he  had  exchanged  rings  with  her.  She  doubted  not  but  this 
was  a token  of  their  marriage,  though  she  could  not  recollect 
the  particulars  of  it.  While  she  thought  on  these  matters,  her 
senses  were  at  once  locked  up  in  sleep.  Maimoune,  without  wait- 
ing for  the  decision  of  Cascheash,  triumphed  over  Danhasch  on 
the  superior  beauty  of  the  prince.  She  then  commanded  the  genii 
to  convey  the  princess  back  again  to  her  bed.  They  obeyed  ; 
and  morning  being  near,  the  fairy  retired  to  her  well. 

When  the  prince  awoke,  he  looked  about  for  the  lady  whose 
charms  had  taken  possession  of  his  heart.  Finding  she  was 
not  with  him,  he  arose,  and  having  washed  and  said  his  prayers, 
he  sat  down  to  meditate  on  what  had  passed.  He  concluded 
that  the  lady  was  conveyed  to  his  bed  by  command  of  the  king  ; 
he  doubted  not,  therefore,  but  that  she  was  intended  for  his 
bride.  He  inquired  of  his  slave  who  she  was,  and  who  had 
brought  her  to  his  chamber  ? To  these  questions  the  slave  re- 
plied, by  positively  denying  that  any  lady  was  introduced  into 
his  apartment.  “ How,”  said  the  prince,  “ do  you  dare  to  tell 
me  there  was  no  lady  with  me  ? ” ‘‘I  am  sure,”  replied  the 

slave  bluntly;  it  is  impossible,  unless  she  passed  through  the 
walls,  for  I lay  at  the  door.” 

Camaralzaman  was  incensed  at  this  presumption  of  his  slave, 
and  caned  him  severely.  The  slave  fled  from  him  and  ran  to 
the  vizier,  declaring  that  his  master  was  mad ; relating,  as  a 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


i6s 

proof,  how  he  had  punished  him,  and  for  what  cause.  The 
vizier,  alarmed  at  this  account,  hastened  to  the  prince,  whom 
he  found  reading  with  great  composure.  On  his  entrance, 
Camaralzaman  laid  aside  his  book,  and  conversed  so  ration 
ally,  that  the  minister  became  enraged  with  the  slave  for  giving 
him  so  causeless  an  alarm  ; and  was  meditating  punishment  for 
him,  when  the  prince,  with  much  earnestness,  inquired  who 
the  lady  was  who  had  been  conveyed  to  his  bed  the  preceding 
night. 

The  minister  was  thunderstruck  at  this  demand.  He  hesi- 
tatingly endeavored  to  evade  the  question,  which  the  prince 
observing,  repeated  in  a stern  and  angry  manner.  Thus  pushed, 
the  vizier  declared  he  knew  of  no  lady  who  had  been  admitted 
to  him  ; he  even  argued  the  impossibility  of  such  a circumstance 
having  happened;  and  concluded  with  persuading  the  prince  it 
must  have  been  a dream,  which  had  taken  such  full  possession 
of  his  imagination. 

Camaralzaman  became  frantic  with  anger  at  this  declaration. 
He  was  satisfied  in  his  own  mind  that  a trick  had  been  played 
him  ; he  doubted  not  but  the  vizier  was  the  contriver  of  it. 
With  these  ideas,  respect  for  neither  the  age  nor  office  of  the 
minister  had  any  weight  with  the  enraged  prince  ; he  caned  him 
with  as  much  severity  as  he  had  his  own  slave.  The  vizier,  in 
his  turn,  was  glad  to  escape,  and  going  to  Schahzaman,  he 
related  to  him  the  situation  of  the  prince. 

The  king,  though  angry  with  the  young  man,  had  still  the 
tenderest  affection  for  him ; he  received,  therefore,  his  vizier’s 
account  with  great  concern.  He  immediately  paid  his  son  a 
visit,  who  receiv^ed  him  very  dutifully,  pressing  him  earnestly  to 
introduce  the  lady  to  him.  Whatever  aversion,  sir,”  said  he, 
I formerly  had  to  women,  this  young  lady  has  charmed  me  to 
such  a degree  that  I am  ready  to  receive  her  as  the  best  gift 
you  can  bestow  on  me.” 

The  king  was  much  afflicted  at  this  conversation.  He 
assured  him,  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  that  no  lady  had  been 
introduced  to  him  by  his  order ; nor  was  it  probable  any  one 
could  have  been  there  at  all.  He  therefore  conjured  him  to 
think  rightly  of  the  matter,  and  believe  it  to  be,  as  it  certainly 
was,  a dream,  and  nothing  else. 

Camaralzaman  heard  his  father  with  the  most  respectful 
attention  ; when  he  had  finished  his  discourse,  the  prince  held 
out  his  hand  and  said,  ‘‘  You  know,  sir,  the  ring  I usually  wore, 
which  was  your  majesty’s  paternal  gift.  You  see  I have  it  not : 
but  on  my  finger  is  a woman’s  ring,  which  I took  from  the  lovely 


156  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  EN7TR7AINMENTS. 

creature  I found  by  my  side,  and  gave  her  mine  in  the  room  of 
it.  Could  this  be  a dream  ? ” 

The  sight  of  the  ring  convinced  Schahzaman.  Alas  ! my  ' 
son,^’  said  he,  how  should  I rejoice  if  I could  set  before  you 
the  lady  I have  now  no  doubt  you  have  seen.  Some  superior 
power  has  brought  her  to  you,  and  you  must  wait  with  patience 
till  she  is  restored  to  you  again.  Come  now  with  me,  and  resume 
your  place  in  my  council.  I pardon  your  past  obstinacy,  and 
will  no  more  urge  you  to  marry.’’ 

The  consequence  of  this  interference  of  the  genii,  was  still 
more  serious  in  China.  When  the  princess  awoke  in  the  morn- 
ing, she  inquired  of  her  attendants  who  the  young  man  was 
who  had  been  admitted  into  her  apartments ; she  persisted  in 
this  demand,  though  they  all  declared  no  such  circumstance 
could  possibly  have  taken  place  ; and  as  she  obstinately  main- 
tained the  truth  of  her  assertion,  and  avowed  herself  ready  to 
receive  him  as  her  husband,  although  she  had  ever  before  been 
BO  averse  to  marriage,  the  king,  her  father,  concluded  her  in- 
tellects were  deranged.  He  ordered  her  to  be  more  closely 
confined  ; and  issued  a proclamation,  stating  her  case,  and 
offering  her  hand  in  marriage  to  any  who  was  able  to  ci  re  her. 

The  hope  of  obtaining  so  beautiful  a princess,  and  with  her 
the  succession  to  a powerful  kingdom,  caused  a great  number 
of  learned  men  to  offer  their  services.  The  king,  to  check  this 
multiplicity  of  applications,  thought  fit  to  add  another  condition 
to  the  undertaking,  which  was,  that  whoever  attempted  the  cure 
and  failed  in  completing  it,  should  forfeit  his  head.  Much  the 
greater  part  of  those  who  had  applied  seceded  from  so  dan- 
gerous an  experiment,  yet  there  remained  many  who,  depending 
on  their  skill,  or  misled  by  their  vanity,  resolved  to  attempt  it. 

These  drew  lots  to  decide  who  should  first  be  admitted  to 
the  princess.  The  chance  fell  to  an  emir  of  the  court,  whose 
skill  in  physic  and  the  occult  sciences  was  unquestionable. 
The  king  himself  condescended  to  introduce  him.  As  soon  as 
the  princess  saw  them  enter  her  apartment,  she  dropped  her 
veil,  and  complained  to  her  father  that  he  had  brought  with 
him  a strange  man,  when  her  religion  forbade  her  to  be  seen 
by  such  a one.  The  king  apologized  ; and  told  her  it  was  one 
of  the  emirs  who  had  demanded  her  in  marriage.  “ It  is  not, 

I see,”  replied  the  princess,  him  to  whom  you  have  already 
given  me  ; and  your  majesty  may  be  assured  I will  never  marry 
any  other.” 

The  emir,  who  expected  the  princess  would  have  broken 
out  into  some  frantic  excess,  was  confounded  when  he  heard 


AJ^ABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


167 

her  talk  so  rationally,  and  still  more  when  he  found  her  disorder 
arose  from  a disappointment  in  love.  He  threw  himself  at  the 
king’s  feet  and  said,  “ You,  sir,  must  be  the  physician  in  this 
case,  by  giving  the  princess  to  the  man  she  honors  with  her 
alfection.  The  application  of  art  or  science  can  avail  nothing 
towards  curing  a disorder  which  arises  from  that  passion  which 
subdues  all  things.’’ 

The  emir  was  led  out  ; and  the  king,  enraged  at  his  pre- 
sumption and  at  his  own  disappointment,  caused  his  head  to 
be  struck  off,  and  fixed  upon  a pole  at  tlie  principal  gate  of  the 
city.  The  severity  of  t'us  example  did  not  deter  others.  Many 
were  led  by  the  greatness  of  the  prize  to  attempt  restoring  the 
princess,  and  in  a short  time  more  than  fifty  heads  were  placed 
by  that  of  the  emir. 

The  Princess  of  China’s  nurse  had  a son  whose  name  was 
Marzavan.  He  had  been  foster-brother  to  the  princess  ; they 
were  bred  up  together,  and  had  a great  affection  for  each  other. 
When  Marzavan  became  a young  man,  having  a studious  turn, 
he  applied  himself  with  success  to  judicial  astrology,  geomancy, 
and  other  secret  arts.  And  to  complete  his  education  he 
travelled  for  some  years,  visiting  men  of  knowledge,  and  im- 
proving himself  by  their  communications. 

Marzavan  was  surprised  on  his  return  home  to  see  so  many 
heads  at  the  entrance  of  the  city.  After  he  had  received  and 
returned  the  caresses  of  his  mother,  he  inquired  of  her  the 
cause  of  that  melancholy  spectacle.  The  good  old  lady  told 
him  the  story  of  those  unfortunate  men,  which  of  course  led  her 
to  relate  that  of  the  princess,  whose  unhappy  situation  she  de- 
scribed very  feelingly. 

Marzavan  had  great  affection  for  Badoura  ; he  was  not 
without  ambition,  and  had  the  greatest  reasons  to  rely  upon  his 
own  talents.  He  began  to  hope  the  cure  of  the  princess  was 
reserved  for  him,  and  resolved  to  offer  himself  for  the  dangerous 
office.  He  communicated  his  intentions  to  his  mother,  who 
was  exceedingly  alarmed  at  it.  She  besought  him,  with  many 
tears,  not  to  expose  himself  to  certain  death  : and  enumerated 
the  many  people  of  abilities  who  had  fallen  a sacrifice  to  their 
own  indiscretion  in  risking  the  fatal  experiment. 

Finding  he  was  not  to  be  overruled,  she  insisted  he  should 
delay  his  intention  till  the  next  day.  Marzavan  consented. 
She  returned  immediately  into  the  palace,  and  told  the  princess 
that  her  son  had  just  returned  from  his  travels,  and  longed  ex- 
ceedingly to  have  the  honor  of  approaching  her.  Badoura  re- 
tained a high  regard  for  her  foster  brother.  She  readily  com 


l68  ARABIAN  iVIGHTS'  ENTERTA/NMEN7B. 

sen  ted  to  see  him  ; but,  as  it  was  necessary  to  keep  so  irreguiar 
a visit  secret,  it  was  resolved  to  dress  him  in  woman’s  clothes 
and  introduce  him  at  midnight. 

Marzavan  had  now  an  opportunity  of  trying  his  abilities  in 
safety.  He  prepared  fumigations,  and  took  with  him  proper 
books,  to  dispossess  the  evil  spirit  that  he  supposed  had  seized 
the  princess.  Badoura  received  him  with  the  greatest  joy  and 
sisterly  affection.  After  the  first  compliments,  Marzavan  beg  v. 
what  he  thought  a jDroper  process,  which  the  princess  perceiv 
ing,  cried  out,  What,  my  brother  ! do  you  also  believe  that  i 
am  mad  ? Undeceive  yourself,  and  hearken  to  what  I shall  re 
late  to  you.” 

Badoura  repeated  her  story  to  her  foster-brother,  and  shewed 
him  the  ring  she  had  received  in  exchange  for  her  own.  Mar- 
zavan was  filled  with  astonishment ; he  entreated  the  princess 
would  support  her  spirits,  while  he  went  in  search  of  the  object 
of  her  affections.  Badoura  was  pleased  with  his  zeal,  though 
she  had  little  hope  of  any  good  effect  from  it ; and  when  he 
took  his  leave,  dismissed  him  with  great  kindness. 

Though  Marzavan’s  chimerical  hopes  were  frustrated,  he 
rejoiced  that  he  had  made  his  experiment  so  cheaply.  He  was 
still  actuated  by  a fraternal  regard  for  the  princess  : under  that 
influence  he  set  out  and  travelled  from  province  to  province  in 
search  of  her  unknown  lover.  For  many  days  he  heard  in  every 
place  the  discourse  of  the  people  respecting  the  princess  Badoura 
and  her  indisposition.  The  further  he  went  from  the  capital 
of  China,  the  less  this  was  talked,  till  at  length  he  heard  no 
more  of  it.  He  travelled  on  many  days,  and  at  last  he  heard 
people  talk  of  prince  Camaralzaman,  who,  they  said,  was  very 
ill.  He  pursued  the  story,  which,  as  he  proceeded  onward,  he 
heard  more  distinctly.  The  exact  resemblance  there  was  be- 
tween the  story  of  this  prince,  and  that  of  Badoura,  left  him  no 
doubt  he  was  the  object  of  his  inquiry. 

Marzavan  arrived,  at  length,  at  the  capital  of  Khaledan,  and 
introduced  himself  to  the  grand  vizier  as  a skilful  physician. 
The  vizier,  finding  from  his  conversation  that  he  was  a man  of 
ability,  related  to  him  the  story  of  Camaralzaman,  and  ended 
with  telling  him  that  a fixed  melancholy  had  taken  possession 
of  the  prince  ever  since,  by  which  his  health  was  much  affected. 
He  entreated  Marzavan  to  pay  the  young  man  a visit,  and  try 
if  it  was  in  the  power  of  his  skill  to  afford  him  assistance. 

Marzavan  eagerly  embraced  the  proposal,  and  being  intro- 
duced to  the  prince,  found  him  lying  on  the  bed,  his  eyes  closed, 
and  entirely  careless  even  of  his  father’s  attention,  who  devoted 


ARABIA IV  NIGHTS^  ENTER7AINMENTS.  169 

every  moment  he  could  spare  from  public  business  to  the  con- 
solation of  his  son.  Marzavan  was  struck  with  the  resemblance 
between  the  lovers,  and  involuntarily  exclaimed,  ‘‘ Heavens  ! 
what  a likeness  ! This  expression  engaged  the  notice  of  the 
prince,  who  raised  himself  up,  and  surveyed  the  stranger  with 
great  attention.  Marzavan  paid  his  compliments  to  the  prince 
in  extempore  verse,  in  which  he  glanced  at  his  adventure  in 
such  delicate  hints,  that  though  Camaralzaman  readily  under- 
stood he  could  give  him  information  of  the  lady,  neither  the 
king  nor  his  minister  observed  anything  more  than  a handsome 
compliment. 

At  the  desire  of  Camaralzaman  he  conversed  with  the 
stranger  alone.  Marzavan  declined  to  relate  to  the  prince  in 
his  present  weak  state,  all  the  particulars  he  was  acquainted 
with.  He  only  told  him,  generally,  that  he  knew  the  lady  for 
whom  his  highness  languished;  that  she  retained  the  same 
affection  for  him  ; and  promised  that,  when  his  health  was  re- 
stored, he  would  give  him  every  information  hi  could  desire. 
From  this  time  Camaralzaman  entirely  lost  his  melancholy;  he 
mended  daily.  The  king  loaded  Marzavan  with  honors  and  re- 
wards, and  ordered  public  rejoicings  all  over  the  kingdom  foi 
his  son’s  recovery. 

The  prince  failed  hot  to  claim  from  Marzavan  the  intelli- 
gence he  had  promised.  He  readily  informed  him  of  the  present 
situation  of  Badoura,  and  called  upon  him,  by  every  tie  of  love 
and  honor,  to  hasten  to  relieve  a princess  who  had  suffered  so 
much  for  him. 

The  prince  of  Khaledan  was  too  sincerely  attached  to  his 
beloved  unknown,  to  need  solicitation  on  this  occasion.  But 
as  he  was  sensible  the  king  would  never  permit  him  to  under- 
take so  long  a journey,  he  thought  some  management  was  neces- 
sary. Accordingly,  when  his  health  was  quite  re-established,  he 
expressed  a desire  to  hunt  in  a large  forest  near  the  confines  of 
the  kingdom.  Having  obtained  Schahzaman’s  consent,  and 
continued  the  sport  for  a week,  the  prince  withdrew  from  his 
train  one  night,  accompanied  only  by  Marzavan  and  a groom. 
Before  morning  they  had  got  beyond  his  father’s  territories  ; 
when  he  sent  the  servant  back  with  an  account  of  where  he  was 
gone,  and  on  what  occasion.  They  then  set  off  for  the  capital 
of  China,  where,  after  travelling  near  twelve  months,  they  ar- 
rived in  perfect  safety. 

When  they  reached  the  city,  they  found  the  mother  of  Mar- 
zavan was  dead  ; all  access,  therefore,  to  the  pri’^cess  was  cut  off, 
except  by  public  application  to  cure  her.  It  ^.ow  had  been  a 


ARABIAN  mGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


170 

long  time  since  any  one  had  been  hardy  enough  to  attempt  so 
desperate  an  undertaking ; and  the  people  were  astonished 
when  Camaralzaman,  in  the  habit  of  an  astrologer,  appeared  be- 
fore the  gate  of  the  palace,  and  demanded  admission  to  cure 
the  princess,  under  the  usual  penalty.  The  bystanders  con- 
jured him  to  forego  so  rash  an  attempt ; but  he  continued  reso- 
lute, and  repeating  his  demand  in  so  firm  and  manly  a manner, 
as  made  the  people  pity  and  tremble  for  him.  On  his  being 
introduced  to  the  king  of  China,  his  graceful  appearance,  noble 
aspect,  and  blooming  youth  affected  that  prince  ; and  as  he 
had  long  considered  the  case  of  his  daughter  as  desperate,  he 
could  not,  without  concern,  see  so  fine  a young  man  devote  him- 
self to  destruction.  His  majesty  condescended  to  expostulate 
with  the  supposed  astrologer:  ‘‘You  have,^’  said  the  king, 
“ scarcely  obtained  sufficient  experience  to  be  equal  to  an  un- 
dertaking which  has  baffled  abilities  of  many  very  learned  men. 
Let  me  then  advise  you  to  desist,  since,  if  you  attempt  and  fail, 
nothing  on  earth  can  save  your  life.’’ 

Camaralzaman  answered  the  king  with  modesty  and  grati- 
tude, and  at  the  same  time,  expressed  so  much  confidence  of 
success,  that  his  majesty  sent  immediately  for  the  chief  eunuch, 
and  ordered  him  to  conduct  the  stranger  to  the  princess.  As 
they  passed  through  a long  gallery,  the  prince,  through  impa- 
tience, walked  before  the  old  slave,  who  was  obliged  to  hasten 
to  overtake  him.  “You  are  in  a strange  hurry,”  said  the  eunuch, 
“ to  get  to  an  apartment  from  whence,  I fear,  you  will  think 
you  return  too  soon.  I have  attended  many  on  this  errand, 
and  always  found  before,  that  they  approached  with  apprehen- 
sion.” “That,”  replied  the  prince,  “ was  a proof  of  their  in- 
ability. But,  good  eunuch,  to  convince  you  that  I am  no  vain 
boaster,  supply  me  only  with  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and  I will 
undertake  to  cure  the  princess  without  being  introduced  to 
her.” 

The  amazed  eunuch  did  so,  and  Camaralzaman  wrote  a 
tender  billet  to  the  princess,  and  enclosed  in  it  the  ring  he  had 
taken  from  her  finger.  Badoura  received  the  note  from  the 
eunuch  with  great  indifference  when  he  told  her  it  came  from 
an  astrologer  who  had  undertaken  to  cure  her ; but  the  instant 
she  saw  her  own  ring,  she  had  sen  - ; : patience  to  read  it ; she 
demanded  to  be  led  immediately  10  the  person  who  wrote  it. 
The  eunuch  accordingly  conducted  her  to  the  room  where  he 
had  left  the  prince,  who  had  thrown  aside  the  astrologer’s 
habit,  and  waited  to  receive  her  with  the  most  anxious  impatience. 
They  knew  each  other  the  instant  they  met.  Camaralzaman 


ARABIA JV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


171 

flew  to  the  arms  of  the  princess,  and  the  manner  in  which  she 
received  him,  convinced  her  attendants  that  her  cure  was  per- 
fected. 

The  eunuch  hastened  to  the  king  with  the  welcome  tidings. 
That  monarch  could  scarcely  credit  his  report.  He  went 
directly  to  his  daughter’s  apartments,  and  embraced  her  ; after 
which  he  presented  her  hand  to  Camaralzaman,  and  gave 
orders  for  the  marriage  to  be  immediately  solemnized. 

The  king  of  China  was  highly  pleased  when  he  found  his 
new  son-in-law  was  a prince.  He  heard  from  him,  with  fresh 
wonder,  the  manner  in  which  he  became  contracted  to  the  prin- 
cess, having  ever  considered  Badoura’s  account  of  it  as  a proof 
of  her  disorder.  The  rejoicings  on  the  recovery  and  marriage 
of  the  princess  were  universal. 

For  a whole  year  Camaralzaman  gave  himself  up  to  the  de-  • 
lights  of  his  new  situation.  In  the  midst  of  these  enjoyments 
he  dreamt  one  night,  that  he  saw  Schahzaman,  his  father,  on 
his  death-bed ; and  heard  him  say  to  his  attendants,  ‘‘  My  son, 
whom  I tenderly  loved  ; my  son,  whom  I bred  with  so  much 
adection,  so  much  care,  hath  abandoned  me  ; and  is  himself, 
by  that  means,  the  cause  of  my  death.”  He  awoke  in  great 
distress. 

In  the  morning  he  related  his  dream  to  the  princess  Badoura, 
a.>id  they  agreed  to  request  the  king  of  China  that  he  would 
permit  them  to  take  a journey  to  see  Schahzaman.  Though  the 
request  was  too  reasonable  to  be  refused,  yet  the  king  of  China 
parted  from  them  reluctantly ; and  on  condition  that  they 
should  stay  no  longer  than  a year  in  Schahzaman’s  court,  and 
then  return  to  him  again. 

They  set  out  with  a small  retinue^  after  having  taken  a ten- 
der farewell  of  the  king  of  China  ; and  travelled  for  a month, 
making  easy  journeys  through  a delightful  country.  One  day 
the  weatner  being  very  hot,  Camaralzaman  ordered  the  tents  to 
be  pitched,  during  the  heat  of  the  day,  in  a grove  of  tall  trees. 
The  princess  being  weary,  retired  to  her  tent  and  bade  her 
women  to  untie  her  girdle,  which  they  laid  down  by  her,  and 
she  falling  asleep,  her  attendants  left  her. 

The  piince,  when  everything  was  properly  disposed  of, 
came  to  the  tent  where  the  princess  was  asleep.  As  he  enter- 
ed, he  observed  her  girdle,  which  he  took  up  and  examined  ; 
in  the  middle  of  it  he  found  a little  purse  which  contained  a 
cornelian,  tied  by  a red  ribbon,  and  engraven  in  unknown  fig 
ures  and  chat'acters  ; by  a paper  annexed  to  it,  he  learned  that 
it  was  a talisman,  on  which  there  was  a scheme  of  Badoura’s 


172 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


nativity,  drawn  from  the  constellations  ; and  that  it  was  lately 
given  to  her  by  the  queen  of  China,  as  a charm  that  would 
preserve  her  from  ill  fortune  as  long  as  she  had  it  about  her. 
The  tent  being  too  dark  to  observe  the  engravings  distinctly, 
the  prince  took  it  to  the  door ; where,  while  he  was  looking  at 
it,  a bird  darted  from  the  air,  and  snatched  it  from  him. 

Camaralzaman  was  exceedingly  grieved  when  he  saw  the 
bird  fly  away  with  the  talisman.  He  blamed  severely  his  idle 
curiosity,  by  which  he  had  lost  a treasure  so  valued  by  the 
princess.  The  bird  having  got  her  prize,  pitched  upon  the 
ground  not  far  off,  with  the  talisman  in  her  mouth  ; the  prince 
drew  near  in  hopes  she  would  drop  it ; but  as  he  approached, 
she  took  wing  and  pitched  again  farther  off.  Camaralzaman 
followed  her,  and  the  bird  having  swallowed  the  talisman,  took 
a small  flight  farther  still.  The  prince  hoped  to  kill  her  with  a 
stone  ; and  as  she  flew  but  a little  way  at  a time,  he  became 
more  and  more  eager  in  pursuing  her.  Thus  the  bird  led  him 
from  hill  to  valley,  and  from  valley  to  hill  all  day  ; and  instead 
of  perching  at  night  on  a bush,  where  he  might  probably  have 
taken  her,  she  roosted  on  a high  tree,  safe  from  his  pursuit. 
The  prince,  grieved  at  the  misfortunes  of  the  day,  would  have 
returned  to  his  camp,  but,  alas ! he  thought  of  it  too  late. 
Whither  shall  he  go  ? which  way  return  ? how  will  he  be  able 
to  trace  back  his  steps  over  mountains  and  valleys  never  trod 
before  ? Darkness  and  fatigue  alike  prevented  him.  Besides, 
how  durst  he  appear  before  his  princess  without  her  talisman  i* 
Overwhelmed  with  these  distressing  thoughts,  he  sat  down  at 
the  foot  of  a tree,  and  sleep  gave  him  a short  respite  from  his 
affliction. 

He  awoke  the  next  morning  before  the  bird  had  left  the 
tree  ; and,  as  soon  as  he  saw  her  on  the  wing,  followed  her. 
He  continued  to  do  so  the  whole  day,  with  no  better  success 
than  he  had  had  the  day  before,  eating  nothing  but  herbs  and 
fruits  which  he  picked  up  as  he  walked.  For  ten  days  he 
followed  the  mischievous  bird,  sleeping  every  night  under  the 
tree  where  she  roosted.  On  the  eleventh  day,  he  drew  near  to 
a great  city,  and  the  bird  flying  over  the  walls,  he  saw  her  no 
more. 

Camaralzaman  entered  the  city,  overcome  with  grief  and 
despair.  He  wandered  about  for  some  time,  and,  at  last,  came 
to  the  side  of  a river.  He  proceeded  on  the  banks  of  it,  till  he 
saw  a gate  open,  which  he  entered,  and  found  a gardener  at  work, 
who  after  looking  at  him  a little  while,  called  out  for  him  to  come 
forward,  and  shut  the  door.  The  prince  did  as  he  was  directed. 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


173 


and  going  up  to  the  gardener,  asked  him  the  reason  of  his  being 
so  cautious.  ‘‘  Because,’^  replied  the  old  man,  I judge  you 
are  a stranger,  and  I perceive,  by  your  dress,  that  you,  as  well 
as  myself,  are  a Mussulman.  This  city  is  inhabited  by  idola- 
ters, who  have  a mortal  hatred  to  true  believers.  It  is  wonder- 
ful how  you  have  escaped  ill-usage,  as  you  must  have  come 
through  a considerable  part  of  the  city.  But  you  seem  weary  ; 
come  into  my  house  ; I will  give  you  the  best  refreshments  in 
my  power ; and  you  shall  then  tell  me  if  I can  do  you  more 
material  service.’’ 

The  prince  thankfully  accepted  the  friendly  offer  he  stood 
so  much  in  need  of.  The  benevolent  gardener  conducted  him 
into  his  little  hut,  clean  though  small,  and  well  defended  from 
the  weather.  He  set  before  him  his  provisions,  and  enter- 
tained him  with  so  much  heartiness,  that  the  prince  was  quite 
charmed ; and  at  the  request  of  his  host  readily  told  him  who 
he  was,  and  by  what  accident  he  came  there.  He  concluded 
with  saying,  “ Having  been  eleven  days  separated  from  my 
dear  princess,  I have  no  chance  of  meeting  with  her  again  on 
her  journey  ; my  only  hope  is,  that  she  will  proceed  to  my 
father’s  territories  ; and  I must  beg  of  you  to  inform  me  in 
what  manner  I can  best  convey  myself  thither  to  meet  her.” 

The  gardener  told  him  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to 
return  home  by  land,  as  his  way  lay  through  so  many  barbarous 
nations.  There  is,”  continued  he,  ‘‘  a ship  sails  from  this 
port  once  a year  to  the  Isle  of  Ebene ; whence  you  may  easily 
convey  yourself  to  Khaledan,  but  that  ship  sailed  only  a few 
days  ago  ; it  will  of  course  be  near  a year  before  you  will  have 
that  opportunity.  In  the  mean  time,  I would  advise  you  to  re- 
main with  me  ; here  you  will  enjoy  perfect  safety,  and  in  due 
time  you  will  join  your  princess,  in  your  own  country,  with 
little  risk  or  inconvenience.” 

Camaralzaman,  on  consideration,  embraced  the  gardener’s 
friendly  offer.  He  passed  the  days  in  laboring  in  the  garden, 
that  he  might  be  as  little  burdensome  as  possible  to  his  host ; 
and  the  nights  in  thinking  of  his  dear  Badoura,  and  lamenting 
their  unfortunate  separation. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  PRINCESS  BADOURA,  AFTER  HER 
SEPARATION  FROxM  PRINCE  CAMARALZAMAN. 

The  princess  slept  a long  while  ; and  when  she  awoke,  she 
,nissed  the  talisman  from  her  girdle.  She  inquired  for  th^ 


174 


AI^ABIAAr  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


prince,  not  doubting  but  that  he  had  taken  it  up,  and  expected 
his  return  with  much  impatience. 

When  the  day  closed  and  the  succeeding  night  had  passed 
away,  and  Camaralzaman  continued  absent,  the  alarm  and 
affliction  of  Badoura  became  very  great ; but  she  had  too  much 
good  sense  to  indulge  an  unavailing  sorrow,  especially  at  a time 
when  spirit  and  resolution  were  so  necessary  for  her  safety. 
None  of  the  party,  except  hef  own  women,  knew  of  the  prince’s 
absence.  Badoura,  when  she  saw  he  did  not  return  on  the 
third  day,  dressed  herself  in  a suit  of  his  clothes,  and  going 
among  the  attendants,  ordered  them  to  strike  the  tents  and  pur- 
sue their  route.  The  great  likeness  between  her  and  Camaral- 
zaman made  her  easily  pass  for  him.  She  ordered  one  of  her 
women  to  take  her  seat  in  the  caravan,  while  she  mounted  on 
horseback  and  rode  by  the  side  of  it ; thus  they  travelled  for 
several  months,  till  they  arrived  at  the  capital  of  Ebene ; 
when  Armanos,  king  of  that  island,  invited  the  supposed  son 
of  his  ally,  Schahzaman,  to  repose  awhile  in  his  court,  befqre 
he  proceeded  to  Khaledan. 

The  princess  Badoura  accepted  the  invitation,  and  was  re- 
ceived by  Armanos  with  much  hospitality.  The  king  was 
greatly  pleased  with  the  supposed  Camaralzaman.  He  con- 
trived every  means  of  amusing  him  to  prevent  his  departure ; 
and  at  length  frankly  offered  to  give  him  his  only  daughter, 
Haiatalnefous,  to  wife,  and  to  place  the  crown  of  Ebene  on  his 
head,  which  old  age  had  made  too  burdensome  for  his  own. 

Badoura  was  much  perplexed  by  this  offer,  which  she  dreaded 
alike  to  accept  or  reject.  The  inconveniences  attending  her 
becoming  the  husband  of  the  princess  of  Ebene  were  obvious ; 
yet  if  she  refused,  she  had  everything  to  apprehend  from  the 
anger  of  the  king,  in  whose  power  she  was,  and  who  no  doubt 
would  resent  the  indignity.  Nor  durst  she  discover  her  sex,  as 
she  was  unprotected  by  Camaralzaman,  uncertain  of  his  fate, 
and  at  such  a distance  from  her  father’s  kingdom.  She  re- 
solved, therefore,  to  throw  herself  on  the  generosity  of  the  prin- 
cess. She  accepted  the  king’s  offer  with  great  apparent  joy  ; 
and  having  given  a probable  reason  for  her  conduct  to  such  of 
her  attendants  as  thought  her  Camaralzaman,  and  cautioned 
the  few  of  her  women  who  knew  the  secret  to  be  faithful  and 
silent,  she  prepared  herself  to  be  the  bridegroom  of  Haiatalne- 
fous. 

The  king  summoned  his  council  and  great  men,  and,  in  their 
presence,  resigned  his  crown  to  the  supposed  Camaralzaman. 
The  next  day,  Badoura  was  decorated  in  the  regalia  of  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


17s 


kingdom ; and  the  marriage  rites  were  celebrated  with  the 
utmost  splendor,  amidst  rejoicings  which  gladdened  every  heart 
except  that  of  the  bridegroom. 

In  the  evening,  when  they  had  retired  together,  Badoura, 
not  without  confusion,  acquainted  the  princess  that  she  was  a 
woman.  She  related,  with  many  tears,  the  story  of  her  mar- 
riage with  Camaralzaman,  and  of  their  unfortunate  separation. 
‘‘  I durst  not,”  continued  she,  ‘‘  refuse  your  father’s  offer,  nor 
explain  my  situation  to  him.  I rely  entirely  on  your  good  na- 
ture to  keep  my  secret  a short  time.  If  the  prince  of  Khaledan 
is  living,  it  cannot  be  long  before  he  will  arrive  here  on  his  way 
home ; and  should  you  think  him  as  amiable  as  I do,  I will  con- 
sent that  he  shall  be  your  husband  as  well  as  mine,  which  you 
know  is  agreeably  to  the  laws  of  the  prophet.  If,  on  the  other 
hand,  he  is  no  more,  I shall  continue,  by  your  kindness,  in 
safety  here,  till  I can  acquaint  my  royal  father  with  my  situa- 
tion.” 

The  princess  of  Ebene  heard  Badoura’s  story  with  wonder 
and  pity.  When  she  had  finished  her  narrative,  Haiatalnefous 
embraced  her,  saying,  “ I do  not  blame  your  sorrow,  unfortu- 
nate princess  ; it  must  needs  be  great  for  the  loss  oL  a husband 
so  accomplished  as  you  describe  Camaralzaman ; I will  keep 
your  secret,  and  shall  be  glad,  by  every  means  in  my  power,  to 
alleviate  your  grief.”  From  this  time  the  most  perfect  friend- 
ship took  place  between  the  two  princesses ; and  Badoura  be- 
came every  day  more  esteemed  by  Armanos  and  his  people, 
conducting  the  affairs  of  the  kingdom  with  great  ability  and 
success. 

While  these  things  passed  in  the  island  of  Ebene,  Cam- 
aralzaman remained  with  his  friendly  gardener,  impatiently 
waiting  for  the  time  when  he  should  be  able  to  set  forward  in 
search  of  his  beloved  Badoura.  One  morning,  when  he  was 
preparing  to  go  to  work,  the  gardener  prevented  him,  saying, 
This  day  is  a great  festival  with  the  idolaters,  on  which  ac- 
count they  will  not  permit  Mussulmans  to  work.  I will  go  to 
the  port,  and  as  the  time  approaches  in  which  the  ship  sails 
to  Ebene,  I will  secure  you  a passage  in  it.  But  I would  advise 
you  to  continue  here,  and  amuse  yourself  in  the  garden  till  I 
return.” 

The  prince  pursued  the  advice  of  his  host.  While  he  was 
reposing  himself  under  a tuft  of  trees,  indulging  his  melancholy 
reflections,  he  was  disturbed  by  two  birds  fighting,  and  making 
a great  noise  very  near  him.  In  a little  time  one  of  them  fell 
down  dead,  and  the  victorious  bird  flew  away. 


176 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


In  a short  time  two  other  birds  came,  and  pitched  them- 
selves one  at  the  head  and  the  other  at  the  feet  of  the  dead 
bird.  After  seeming  to  express  much  concern,  they  dug  a grave 
with  their  talons,  and  interred  the  defunct.  This  done,  they 
flew  away  ; but  returned  in  a few  minutes,  bringing  with  them 
the  victor  bird,  one  holding  a wing  in  her  beak  and  the  other 
a leg,  the  prisoner  all  the  while  screaming  most  piteously,  and 
struggling  to  escape.  They  carried  him  to  the  grave  of  the 
dead  bird,  where  they  put  him  to  death  ; and  tearing  him  to 
pieces  with  their  beaks,  they  strewed  his  remains  about  the 
place  where  they  had  buried  his  antagonist. 

When  the  two  avenging  birds  had  flown  away,  Camaralza- 
man  drew  near  the  spot,  and  looking  on  the  dismembered  car- 
case, he  saw  something  red  hanging  out  of  it.  He  took  it  up, 
and  found  it  was  his  beloved  Badoura’s  talisman.  Nothing 
could  exceed  the  joy  he  felt  on  this  happy  event.  He  had  no 
doubt  but  it  was  a presage  of  a speedy  meeting  with  his  lovely 
princess.  He  triumphed  over  the  mischievous  bird  who  had 
been  the  cause  of  his  misfortunes,  and  rejoiced  at  the  ven- 
geance which  had  overtaken  him,  in  the  perpetration  of  a new 
enormity  against  one  of  his  own  species. 

The  prince  being  much  agitated  with  the  adventure  of  the 
day,  retired  to  rest  before  the  return  of  the  gardener.  In  the 
morning,  he  related  to  his  host  what  had  befallen  him.  The 
friendly  gardener  took  part  in  his  satisfaction  : I congratulate 
you,  prince,’^  said  he,  ‘‘  on  this  happy  event ; and  I shall  in- 
crease your  joy,  by  acquainting  you  that  the  vessel  sails  to 
Ebene  in  a few  days.  The  exact  time  will  be  appointed  this 
morning ; I will  return  to  the  port,  and  bring  you  notice  of  it ; 
meantime  you  will  find  exercise  and  amusement  by  cutting 
away  yon  decayed  tree.^’ 

The  gardener  set  out  accordingly,  and  Camaralzaman  took 
his  tools  and  began  to  dig  round  the  tree.  When  he  had 
turned  up  the  earth  a few  feet  deep,  he  discovered  a broad 
plate  of  brass,  under  which  was  a staircase  of  ten  steps  ; he 
went  down,  and  at  the  bottom  saw  a cave,  with  fifty  brass  urns 
placed  in  order  around  it.  He  opened  them  all,  and  found 
them  full  of  gold-dust.  The  prince  was  much  pleased  with  this 
event ; and  as  soon  as  the  gardener  returned  he  conducted  him 
to  the  cave,  and  congratulated  him  on  his  possessing  so  much 
wealth  in  his  old  age,  the  reward  of  his  virtue,  and  recompense 
for  his  past  labor. 

How  ! ’’  replied  the  gardener,  ‘‘  do  you  think  I will  take 
these  riches  as  mine  ? For  fourscore  years  I have  labored  in 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


177 


this  garden  ; if  this  treasure  had  been  destined  for  me,  I should 
have  found  it  long  ago.  It  comes  to  you,  prince,  in  good  time, 
as  three  days  hence  the  vessel  sails  to  Ebene,  and  I have  taken 
a passage  for  you  in  it.’’  Camaralzaman  pressed  his  host  much 
to  receive  the  treasure ; and  after  a long  dispute,  they  agreed 
to  divide  it  between  them. 

This  affair  being  settled,  the  gardener  told  Camaralzaman 
It  would  be  necessary  to  act  with  caution,  or  the  idolaters  would 
seize  his  treasure:  “ Fill,  therefore,”  said  he,  “ fifty  jars  half 
with  gold-dust,  the  other  half  with  olives  ; which  is  a common 
article  of  traffic  between  this  place  and  Ebene,  where  none 
grow.”  The  prince  took  this  prudent  advice  ; and,  fearing  lest 
his  talisman  should  be  again  lost,  he  carefully  put  it  up  in  one 
of  the  jars,  and  sent  the  whole  on  board  the  vessel. 

The  next  day  Camaralzaman  had  the  mortification  to  find 
his  friendly  host  exceeding  ill : the  day  following  he  grew 
worse ; and,  on  the  third  day,  when  the  prince  should  have  em- 
barked, he  was  in  the  agonies  of  death.  The  wind  being  fair, 
the  captain  sent  to  his  passenger,  and  pressed  him  to  come  on 
board  immediately.  The  distress  of  the  prince  was  extreme. 
If  he  missed  this  opportunity,  he  knew  it  must  be  another  year 
before  he  could  get  away  from  the  city  of  idolaters ; all  which 
time  he  must  remain  in  uncertainty  as  to  the  fate  of  his  dear 
princess.  Her  sorrow  for  him  also  must  continue  so  much 
longer.  Nor  was  this  all ; the  talisman,  that  source  of  all  his 
misfortunes,  was  no  longer  in  his  possession ; and  in  whose 
hands  it  might  fall,  when  the  ship  arrived  at  Ebene,  it  was  im- 
possible to  foresee. 

On  the  other  hand,  to  leave  his  benefactor  to  expire  by 
himself,  when  he  ought  to  receive  the  confession  of  his  faith, 
which  all  good  Mussulmans  repeat  before  they  die  ; to  suffer 
his  remains  to  perish  unburied,  and  insulted  by  the  idolaters, 
(which  he  knew  must  be  the  case,  if  he  did  not  stay  to  fulfil 
the  last  offices  for  him,)  all  this  was  such  an  ungrateful  return 
for  the  gardener’s  zeal,  fidelity,  and  benevolence,  that,  though 
the  struggle  was  a severe  one,  the  virtue  of  the  prince  pre- 
vailed. He  received  the  last  breath  of  his  friendly  host,  washed 
his  body,  and  interred  it  decently  in  his  own  garden ; after 
which,  though  night  was  at  hand,  he  ran  to  the  sea-side,  and 
had  the  mortification  to  find  that  the  vessel  had  sailed  an  hour 
before,  the  captain  having  waited  for  him  till  the  last  moment. 

Camaralzaman  submitted  to  his  fate  with  fortitude,  though 
not  without  extreme  sorrow,  the  consciousness  of  having  acted 
right  supporting  him  under  the  painful  consequences  of  it. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


178 

The  vessel  had  a quick  passage  to  Ebene ; where,  on  its  arri- 
val, inquiry  was  made,  by  command  of  the  king,  if  it  had 
brought  any  olives.  It  happened  there  were  none  on  board 
but  those  belonging  to  Camaralzaman.  Badoura,  who  was 
fond  of  that  fruit,  ordered  all  the  fifty  jars  to  be  bought  at  a 
high  price  for  her  own  use. 

In  the  evening,  when  the  princess  withdrew  into  the  inner 
palace  to  sup  with  Haiatalnefous,  she  ordered  some  of  these 
olives  to  be  brought  to  table.  On  emptying  the  jar,  they  were 
surprised  to  find  a large  quantity  of  gold-dust  among  them  ; 
and  on  further  examination,  Badoura  saw  and  remembered 
her  talisman.  She  caught  it  up,  and  immediately  fainted  away. 

On  her  recovery  she  dismissed  the  attendants,  and,  show- 
ing Haiatalnefous  the  talisman,  the  two  princesses  rejoiced 
together  in  the  fortunate  omen.  In  the  morning  the  supposed 
king  sent  for  the  captain  of  the  vessel,  and  inquired  strictly 
who  was  the  owner  of  the  olives  he  had  sold  the  day  before  ? 
The  captain  readily  told  the  little  he  knew  of  him ; on  which 
Badoura  commanded  him  to  sail  immediately,  to  seize  that 
man,  and  bring  him  to  Ebene,  offering  great  rewards  if  this 
was  done,  and  threatening  every  severity  if  he  failed. 

The  captain  set  sail  accordingly.  When  he  arrived  off  the 
city  of  idolaters,  he  did  not  think  proper  to  enter  the  harbor ; 
but  drawing  as  near  the  coast  as  he  could,  when  it  was  dark, 
he  landed  a party  of  his  men,^nd  seizing  Camaralzaman,  con- 
veyed him  aboard  with  great  silence ; after  which  he  immedi- 
ately hoisted  sail  again  for  Ebene. 

The  captain,  agreeably  to  his  instructions  treated  the  prince 
with  great  respect,  but  refused  to  tell  him  why  he  was  thus 
made  a prisoner.  The  princess  Badoura  had  immediate  no- 
tice of  their  arrival,  when  she  ordered  Camaralzaman  to  be 
brought  into  her  presence.  She  instantly  knew  him,  notwith- 
standing his  gardener’s  dress.  Had  she  followed  the  dictates 
of  her  heart,  she  would  have  flown  to  his  embraces  ; but  con- 
ceiving it  was  more  to  his  interest  for  her  to  support  the  char- 
acter of  king  a little  longer,  she  suppressed  her  emotions,  and 
ordered  him  to  be  conducted  to  a handsome  apartment,  and 
supplied  with  everything  he  wanted  in  the  most  ample  manner. 

The  next  morning  she  caused  him  to  be  richly  clothed,  and 
introduced  to  her  in  council  ; and  in  the  presence  of  the  emirs 
she  avowed  her  knowledge  of  his  abilities,  and  appointed  him 
lord  treasurer.  Camaralzaman  received  his  appointment  with 
wonder,  and  would  have  rejoiced  in  so  favorable  a change  in 
his  situation,  if  all  joy  had  not  been  destroyed  by  his  fruitless 
inquiry  after  his  beloved  Drincfi-s-s- 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


179 


For  a short  time  he  executed  the  duties  of  his  office  with 
great  ability  ; when  the  supposed  king,  desirous  to  put  an  end 
to  his  sorrow,  and  her  own  constraint,  ordered  him  to  attend 
her  one  evening  in  the  inner  palace.  When  he  arrived,  Badoura 
led  him  into  a private  room,  and  taking  the  talisman  out  of 
her  pocket,  said,  ‘‘  It  is  not  long  since  this  was  presented  to 
me.  As  I have  reason  to  think  you  are  skilled  in  these  things, 
I would  know  of  you  what  are  its  properties.” 

Camaralzaman  took  the  talisman,  and  drawing  near  a lamp 
to  look  at  it,  immediately  knew  it.  O king,”  exclaimed  he, 
“ it  has  one  property,  which  is  to  kill  me  with  grief  if  I do  not 
shortly  find  one  of  the  most  charming  women  in  the  world  to 
whom  it  belongs,  whose  loss  I have  never  ceased  a moment  to 
deplore  ; nor  shall  I fail  to  excite  your  compassion,  when  I 
have  related  my  misfortunes  to  you.” 

“At  another  time,”  replied  Badoura,  “ I shall  willingly 
hear  your  story.  You  may  suppose  I am  not  entirely  unac- 
quainted with  it.  But  compose  yourself  now,  and  wait  here 
till  I return  to  you.”  Having  said  this,  she  retired,  and  laying 
aside  her  regal  robes,  she  dressed  herself  as  a woman,  and 
presented  herself  to  her  husband. 

It  would  be  in  vain  to  attempt  relating  the  transports  of  the 
lovers  on  their  reunion.  After  they  were  a little  subsided, 
Camaralzaman  expressed  his  gratitude  to  the  king  for  having 
s,o  greatly  delighted  and  surprised  him.  “ Do  not  expect,”  re- 
plied the  princess,  “ to  see  that  king  any  more.”  She  then  pro- 
ceeded to  relate  to  him  her  adventures,  and  the  plan  she  had 
formed  to  procure  for  him  the  crown  of  Ebene. 

In  the  mornmg  Badoura  sent  a message  to  Armanos,  desir- 
ing to  see  him,  lie  came  immediately,  and  finding  in  the  in- 
ner palace  a strange  lady  and  the  lord  treasurer  (whose  presence 
in  those  apartments  was  unlawful),  was  at  a loss  what  to  say. 
Sitting  down,  he  asked  where  the  king  was ; to  which  Badoura 
replied,  “Yesterday,  my  lord,  I was  king;  but  now  am  con- 
tented to  be  only  princess  of  China,  and  to  acknowledge  that 
prince  for  my  husband.” 

She  went  on  relating  her  story,  and  explaining  to  Armanos 
the  motives  of  her  conduct.  “ Your  daughter,  sir,  the  lovely 
Haiatalnefous,  has  assisted  me  in  this  critical  situation  with 
her  secrecy  and  her  counsels.  In  return,  if  your  majesty 
chooses  to  bestow  your  crown  on  the  real  Camaralzaman,  I 
am  willing  he  should  become  her  husband  also ; to  which  I 
have  her  permission  to  declare  her  consent.” 

Armanos  was  delighted  with  the  spirit  and  good  conduct 


l8o  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER TA/NAfR NTS. 

of  Badoura ; he  readily  agreed  to  confer  his  daughter  and  his 
crown  on  so  deserving  a prince  as  Camaralzaman,  who  re- 
ceived them  both  with  the  utmost  gratitude. 

The  next  year  each  of  the  princesses  brought  forth  a son. 
The  prince  of  whom  Badoura  was  delivered,  was  named  Am- 
grad  (most  glorious).  The  son  of  Haiatalnefous  was  called 
Assad  (most  happy).  Their  birth  increased  the  friendship  of 
their  royal  parents,  and  greatly  heightened  the  satisfaction  of 
the  venerable  king  Armanos. 

THE  STORY  OF  THE  PRINCES  AMGRAD  AND  ASSAD. 

King.  Camaralzaman  lived  many  years  happily  with  his 
queens  Badoura  and  Haiatalnefous.  He  had  the  delight  to 
find  his  two  sons,  as  they  grew  up,  become  very  accomplished 
princes,  and  very  dutiful  children.  The  most  cordial  friend- 
ship subsisted  between  the  two  queens  ; and  the  princes  hav- 
ing the  same  tutors,  the  same  officers,  the  same  amusements, 
seemed  also  to  have  the  same  soul ; the  most  perfect  fraternal 
affection  binding  them  to  each  other. 

This  delightful  scene  of  domestic  felicity  was  at  once 
destroyed  by  the  folly  of  Camaralzaman.  The  young  princes 
had  attained  the  age  of  eighteen,  and  the  king  was  past  the 
meridian  of  life,  when  he  took  a fancy  to  indulge  himself 
wilh  the  privilege  the  prophet  allows,  and  married  two  other 
wives.  The  ladies  were  young  and  of  exquisite  beauty  ; but 
besides  beauty  they  possessed  no  desirable  quality.  Camaral- 
zaman was  so  infatuated  that  he  treated  his  two  respectable 
queens  with  neglect,  and  attached  himself  to  his  new  wives 
with  a fondness  bordering  on  dotage.  Far  from  returning  this 
ridiculous  passion,  they  turned  their  thoughts  to  other  objects. 
The  manly  graces  of  the  two  young  princes  engaged  their  at- 
tention ; and  they  contrived  to  let  them  know  that  their  visits 
might  be  secret,  and  would  not  be  unwelcome. 

Amgrad  and  Assad  had  too  much  filial  piety  to  receive  this 
invitation  with  patience.  They  rejected  the  offer  with  abhor- 
rence, and  even  punished  the  slave  severely  who  brought  the 
billets.  From  this  moment  the  new  queens  vowed  their  de- 
struction. In  the  state  of  the  king’s  mind  this  was  not  difficult 
to  effect.  They  ceased  not  to  insinuate  that  the  young  men 
were  disgusted  on  behalf  of  their  mothers,  and  had  ambitious 
designs  of  their  own.  These  hints  were  dropped  as  if  given 
with  reluctance,  and  extorted  from  them  through  concern  for  the 
king’s  safety. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTER  TAINMENTS.  j 8 1 

By  these  arts  Camaralzaman  was  led  to  consider  his  sons 
as  his  most  dangerous  enemies.  He  would  have  publicly  put 
them  to  death,  but  that  he  dreaded  their  popularity.  He  di- 
rected them,  therefore,  to  go  to  a distant  place  on  the  frontiers 
of  the  kingdom,  pretending  that  their  studies  were  interrupted 
by  the  bustle  of  the  capital.  An  emir,  of  the  name  of  Giendar, 
with  a few  attendants,  were  ordered  to  escort  them,  and  the 
princes,  whose  obedience  to  the  commands  of  their  father  was 
implicit,  set  out  accordingly.  When  they  arrived  at  an  exten^ 
sive  and  uncultivated  forest,  Giendar  left  his  retinue  on  the 
borders,  and  led  the  princes  a considerable  way  within  it,  where 
he  produced  an  order  from  the  king  to  put  them  both  to  death  ; 
they  submitted  without  murmuring  to  this  cruel  decree  ; a con- 
test only  arose  between  them  who  should  be  first  sacrificed  to 
their  father’s  caprice.  This  affecting  dispute  was  carried  on 
with  so  much  tenderness,  as  quite  melted  the  emir.  At  this  in- 
stant a lion  jumped  out  of  the  thicket  and  made  at  Giendar,  who, 
in  his  fright,  dropped  his  cimeter  and  fled. 

Notwithstanding  his  haste,  he  must  soon  have  been  de- 
stroyed, if  Amgrad  had  not  taken  pity  of  him.  He  caught  up 
the  cimeter  and  encountered  the  furious  beast  at  the  moment 
he  was  about  the  seize  the  emir,  and,  by  a fortunate  stroke, 
felled  him  to  the  ground  and  slew  him. 

Giendar,  thus  rescued  from  destruction,  threw  himself  at 
the  feet  of  his  deliverer.  “I  should  be,”  said  he,  ‘‘the  most 
unworthy  of  mankind  if  I could  now,  for  a moment,  entertain  a 
thought  of  performing  the  horrid  task  I came  here  to  execute. 
Go,  unfortunate  princes,”  continued  he,  “ Heaven  will  no  doubt 
protect  your  innocence.  Go,  and  seek  from  fortune  a more 
favorable  country  ; only  give  me  your  upper  garments  that  I 
may  produce  them  to  the  king  as  a proof  that  I have  obeyed 
him.”  The  princes  complied,  and  gave  him  their  garments, 
which  the  emir  dipped  in  the  blood  of  the  lion ; and  then  with 
many  expressions  of  gratitude  and  affection,  he  bade  them 
farewell. 

On  Giendar’s  return  to  court,  Camaralzaman  was  very  in- 
quisitive to  know  in  what  manner  his  sons  had  submitted  to 
their  fate,  and  whether  they  had  confessed  their  guilt.  The 
emir  told  the  king  that  they  had  received  his  order  with  the 
most  dutiful  resignation  ; that  they  protested  their  innocence 
with  their  last  breath,  and  died  blessing  their  royal  father,  who 
had  been  led  by  the  deceit  and  wickedness  of  others  to  destroy 
his  children. 

The  king  was  much  affected  by  this  accounL  A sudden 


i82  ARABIAN  nights^  ENTERTAINMEN7B. 

impulse  led  him  to  examine  the  clothes  of  his  sons.  In  their 
pockets  he  found  the  letters  they  had  received  from  their  new 
favorites,  who  had  wrought  their  destruction.  The  whole 
truth  at  once  flashed  on  the  unhappy  Camaralzaman.  He  saw 
with  horror  the  guilt  and  misery  into  which  he  had  been  mis- 
led. As  some  atonement,  he  immediately  banished  his  betrayers, 
separately,  to  the  most  remote  parts  of  his  dominions ; where 
they  ende,d  their  days  in  prison,  after  many  years  spent  in 
solitude,  and  in  those  tormenting  reflections  which  wickedness 
ever  excites  in  the  minds  of  her  unhappy  votaries. 

The  two  unfortunate  princes  wandered  some  months  in  a 
trackless  country,  passing  overs  mountains  scarce  accessible, 
and  through  forest  they  could  with  difficulty  penetrate,  living 
on  such  fruits  and  herbs  as  they  could  find,  and  watching  by 
turns  at  night  to  guard  against  the  wild  beasts. 

At  length  they  arrived  within  sight  of  a large  city.  When 
they  drew  near  it,  they  agreed  that  one  of  them  only  should 
enter  it,  and  learn  what  sort  of  people  inhabited  it.  After 
much  dispute  who  should  go,  each  wishing  to  shield  the  other 
from  danger  by  exposing  himself  to  it,  they  agreed  to  draw  lots ; 
when  the  chance  falling  to  Assad,  he  took  a tender  leave  of  his 
brother,  whom  he  left  in  a grove  not  far  from  the  city. 

As  soon  as  Assad  arrived  there,  he  inquired  of  a reverend 
old  man  which  was  the  way  to  the  market-place,  being  desirous 
to  purchase  provisions  for  his  own  and  his  brother’s  refresh- 
ment. The  old  man  was  well  dressed,  and  appeared  respect- 
able. He  answered  very  obligingly,  ‘‘  That,  seeir^  he  was  a 
stranger,  he  would  walk  with  him  thither.”  They  chatted  as 
they  passed  along  ; and  the  old  man  contrived  to  represent 
himself  to  the  unsuspecting  prince  as  a wonder  of  honesty  and 
goodness.  When  they  came  to  a great  house,  the  old  man  said, 
“ Son,  you  must  needs  be  weary ; this  is  my  house,  which  I en- 
treat you  to  enter,  and  let  me  set  before  you  such  fare  as  it 
affords  ; after  which  I will  attend  you  to  any  part  of  the  city.” 
The  pjince,  who  was  really  fatigued,  and  had  also  formed  a 
very  good  opinion  of  his  conductor,  thankfully  accepted  his 
invitation. 

The  old  man  led  Assad  through  a long  passage  into  a hall, 
where  there  were  forty  other  persons,  who  made  a circle  round 
a flaming  fire,  which  they  adored.  Ihe  prince  was  shockea 
with  their  impiety  ; but  his  attention  was  soon  taken  up  with 
lis  own  concerns.  The  old  cheat  saluted  the  company,  saying. 
Devout  adorers  of  fire,  this  is  a fortunate  day  for  us.  This 
foung  Mussulman  will  be  an  acceptable  sacrifice  to  oar  divinity. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


183 

Gazoan,’’  continued  he,  addressing  himself  to  the  black  slave, 
‘Mo  you  take  him,  and  prepare  him,  by  proper  chastisement, 
for  the  holy  festival ; and  let  my  daughters,  Bostava  and  Cavama, 
regulate  his  diet,  that  he  may  be  fit  to  be  offered  up  when  the 
next  ship  departs  for  the  blue  sea  and  the  fiery  mountain.” 

Assad  saw  all  resistance  was  in  vain.  He  disdained  to  expos- 
tulate with  the  hoary  traitor,  who  had  deceived  him,  and  sub- 
mitted with  fortitude  to  his  fate.  Gazban  loaded  him  with 
chains,  and  threw  him  into  a dungeon,  where  he  failed  not  to 
visit  him  often,  and  administer  the  discipline  of  the  whip. 

Once  a day  Bostava  and  Cavama  attended  him  with  the 
coarsest  food  ; and  as  he  was  chained  hands  and  feet,  they 
fed  him.  All  the  time  they  reproached  and  mortified  him  by 
every  insult  and  barbarity  in  their  power.  While  they  thus 
obeyed  their  father,  and  performed  as  they  supposed  an  accept* 
able  service  to  their  deity,  Cavama  gratified  a furious  and  malig- 
nant zeal ; but  Bostava  was  of  a more  gentle  nature,  and 
whenever  she  could,  with  safety  to  herself,  she  did  him  kind 
offices. 

Amgrad  waited  for  his  brother’s  return  with  extreme  impa- 
tience, and  at  length  resolved  to  enter  the  city  in  search  of 
him.  On  his  arrival,  he  was  surprised  to  find  so  few  people  in 
the  habit  of  Mussulmans;  At  length  seeing  one  of  that  de- 
scription at  work  in  his  shop,  he  asked  him  the  name  of  the  city, 
and  how  it  came  to  pass  that  he  met  so  few  of  the  faithful  in 
it.  “Brother,”  replied  the  tailor,  “ I perceive  that  you  are  a 
stranger ; if  you  will  come  in  and  sit  down,  I can  converse  with 
you  freely,  and  will  give  you  advice  which  may  be  of  use  to 
you.”  Amgrad  accepted  his  invitation,  and  being  very  anxious 
about  Assad,  he  began  to  inquire,  with  great  earnestness,  if 
he  had  seen  or  heard  of  such  a person. 

“ Alas  ! sir,”  replied  the  friendly  tailor,  “ I have  not  seen 
him  ; and  I very  much  fear  you  will  never  see  him  again.  This 
city  is  called  the  city  of  Magicians,  because  most  of  the  inhab- 
itants are  of  that  description.  They  are  all  adorers  of  fire,  and 
bear  a mortal  hatred  to  the  true  believers.  They  dare  not  as- 
sault us  of  that  faith,  who  are  inhabitants  of  the  city  ; but  if  a 
stranger  Mussulman  falls  into  their  hands,  he  is  seldom  heard 
of  more.  Do  not,  however,  give  way  to  fruitless  grief ; you 
shall  live  with  me  till  you  have  learned  the  customs  of  the  place, 
and  then  you  will  be  in  perfect  safety.” 

Amgrad  accepted  the  tailor’s  invitation,  and  continued  with 
him  for  more  than  a month,  without  once  stirring  out  of  doors. 
At  length,  weary  with  so  long  a confinement,  and  thinking  he 


184  ARABIAN-  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

had  learned  sufficient  caution  from  the  conversation  of  his  host, 
he  ventured  to  go  to  the  public  baths. 

On  his  return,  he  fell  into  a scrape  which  had  nearly  proved 
fatal  to  him.  A beautiful  wanton  accosted  him,  and  removing 
her  veil,  discovered  charms  which  were  irresistible  ; after  con- 
versing with  him  for  some  time,  she  frankly  offered  to  go  home 
and  dine  with  him.  Amgrad  durst  not  conduct  her  to  the  house 
of  his  friendly  tailor  ; yet  he  had  no  mind  to  refuse  her  offer. 
In  this  uncertainty  he  resolved  to  throw  himself  upon  chance. 
He  walked  on  from  street  to  street,  the  lady  following  him, 
till  they  both  were  weary.  They  came  at  length  to  a large  gate, 
which  had  a seat  on  each  side  of  it,  on  one  of  which  Amgrad 
seated  the  lady,  and  sat  down  himself  on  the  other. 

The  lady  asked  him  if  that  was  the  door  of  his  house.  He 
inconsiderately  replied  it  was.  Why  do  you  not  go  in  then  ? ’’ 
said  the  lady ; ‘‘  it  is  not  decent  for  me  to  sit  here.”  The  prince, 
by  this  time,  had  begun  to  reflect  upon  his  situation,  and  ear- 
nestly wished  to  get  rid  of  his  companion  ; he  told  her,  therefore, 
that  his  slave  had  the  key,  and  he  feared  would  not  return  for 
a great  while,  as  he  frequently  stayed  long  on  his  errands. 

The  lady  abused  and  threatened  the  absent  slave ; and 
taking  up  a stone,  broke  the  lock,  which  was  only  wood,  and 
weak,  according  to  the  fashion  of  the  country.  She  then  led 
Amgrad  into  a spacious  hall,  where  they  found  a table  spread 
with  all  sorts  of  dainties,  a sideboard  covered  with  choice  fruit, 
and  a cistern  full  of  bottles  of  choice  wine.  The  sight  of  such 
a provision  gave  the  prince  a high  opinion  of  the  owner’s  quality, 
and  of  his  own  danger  in  thus  daring  to  intrude  upon  him. 

The  lady  sat  down  to  the  table,  and  ate  and  drank  heartily, 
obliging  Amgrad  to  bear  her  company.  The  prince  was  aston- 
ished that  in  a house  so  rich  and  plentifully  furnished,  there 
should  be  no  servant.  He  began  to  hope  that  he  might  finish 
the  intrigue  before  they  or  their  master  should  arrive ; when, 
on  a sudden,  he  saw  a man  thrust  his  head  in  at  the  door,  and 
beckon  to  him.  The  lady  sat  with  her  back  to  the  door  and 
did  not  see  him ; but  Amgrad,  more  dead  than  alive,  got  up, 
and  making  a slight  excuse,  went  out. 

The  house  belonged  to  Bahader,  master  of  the  horse  to  the 
king  of  Magicians.  He  had  a residence  elsewhere  ; and  only 
kept  this  for  the  occasional  reception  of  certain  friends,  whom 
he  used  to  meet  here  in  disguise. 

Bahader  was  alone  when  he  came  to  his  house,  and  found 
it  broken  open.  On  entering  the  half,  he  saw  a young  gentle- 
man and  lady  eating  refreshments  ne  had  provided  for  hiS 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


friends.  He  was  a person  of  great  good-nature,  and  supposing 
something  extraordinary  had  occasioned  the  intrusion,  he  de- 
termined to  beckon  out  the  gentleman,  and  come  to  an  explana- 
tion with  him  alone,  rather  than  question  him  before  the  lady. 

The  prince,  when  he  came  out  to  Bahader,  was  covered  with 
confusion.  He  ingenuously  told  the  master  of  the  house  the 
whole  truth,  revealing  at  the  same  time  his  quality.  Bahader, 
with  much  good-humor,  told  him  he  would  not  interrupt  his 
frolic.  I will  send,”  said  he,  ‘‘and  forbid  my  friends  coming 
to-day ; and  as  you  have  no  slave,  I will  take  than  office  upon 
me ; I desire  you  will  behave  to  me  as  if  I was  really  so,  that 
you  may  not  suffer  in  the  opinion  of  your  mistress.”  Amgrad 
paid  his  acknowledgments  to  Bahader,  and  returned  to  the  lady 
in  much  higher  spirits  than  when  he  left  her. 

Shortly  after,  the  master  of  the  horse,  having  put  on  the 
habit  of  a slave,  entered  the  hall  with  humility  suitable  to  the 
character  he  had  assumed.  On  his  appearance  the  lady  rated 
him  in  the  harshest  terms  for  not  being  in  the  way  when  his 
master  returned.  Not  content  with  this,  she  seized  a stick,  and 
began  to  beat  him  with  great  severity.  Amgrad  presently  res- 
cued him,  and,  when  she  could  beat  him  no  longer,  she  sat 
down,  threatening  and  cursing  him. 

They  continued  together  in  the  hall,  eating  fruit  and  drink- 
ing wine,  till  evening ; and,  as  often  as  the  supposed  slave 
appeared,  ^he  lady  muttered  against  him  harsh  threats  and  the 
most  reproachful  names.  When  it  grew  late,  Bahader  fell 
asleep  in  the  adjoining  chamber.  The  lady,  hearing  him  snore, 
seized  Amgrad’s  cimeter,  and  besought  him  to  let  her  put  his 
?lave  to  death.  The  prince  endeavored  in  vain  to  pacify  her. 
Her  rage  increasing,  as  they  disputed,  she  drew  the  cimeter, 
and  vowed  she  would  dispatch  him,  even  without  his  master’s 
consent.  “It  is  enough,  madam,”  said  Amgrad,  “the  slave 
shall  die,  since  you  desire  it ; but  give  me  the  cimeter ; I should 
be  sorry  he  should  fall  by  any  hand  but  my  own  ” She  re- 
stored him  the  cimeter,  which  he  lifted  up,  and  at  one  blow  cut 
off  her  head,  which  fell  upon  Bahader  and  awakened  him. 

The  master  of  the  horse  was  amazed  to  see  Amgrad  with  a 
sabre  all  bloody,  and  the  body  of  the  lady  headless  on  the 
ground.  The  prince  told  him  what  had  passed,  and  added, 
“ I had  no  way  of  preserving  your  life,  but  by  putting  an  end 
to  hers.”  Bahader  was  much  shocked  and  alarmed.  He  knew 
that,  as  private  assassinations  were  sometimes  committed  in 
the  city,  the  police  were  very  watchful  in  detecting,  and  the 
ling  very  rigorous  in  punishing  them.  Yet  how  great  soeve 


i86 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


the  danger,  he  could  not  blame  the  prince  who  had  preserved 
him.  He  put  the  body  in  a sack,  and,  taking  leave  of  Amgrad, 
said,  ‘‘You,  sir,  who  are  a stranger,  can  neither  judge  of  the 
necessity  of  removing  the  body,  nor  are  you  sufficiently  ac- 
quainted with  the  city  to  carry  it  to  the  sea,  where  it  rnust  be 
thrown  ; but,  as  you  put  the  lady  to  death  to  save  my  life,  it  is 
proper  I should  take  the  risk  that  may  attend  that  action  on 
myself.’^ 

Bahader  set  out  accordingly,  with  the  sack  over  his  shoulder. 
He  had  not  got  far  when  he  was  met  by  one  of  the  magistrates, 
whose  officers  stopped  and  searched  him.  He  was  immediately 
taken  into  custody,  and  the  next  morning,  in  compliment  to  his 
situation  as  one  of  the  royal  domestics,  was  brought  before  the 
king.  But  all  defence  was  in  vain,  when  the  dead  body  was 
produced.  The  king  was  so  enraged,  that  he  ordered  execution 
to  take  place  immediately ; and  a crier  was  sent  through  the 
city  to  give  public  notice  of  his  crime  and  punishment. 

Luckily  the  crier  stopped  under  the  window  of  the  house 
where  Prince  Amgrad  was.  As  soon  as  he  heard  the  proclama- 
tion, he  took  his  resolution.  He  inquired  his  way  to  the  royal 
palace,  and  requested  an  audience  of  the  king,  as  the  son  of  a 
neighboring  prince.  Being  introduced,  he  related  all  that  had 
befallen  him,  and  fully  exculpated  the  master  of  the  horse. 
The  king  was  highly  pleased  with  the  behavior  of  Amgrad ; he 
readily  pardoned  Bahader,  and,  soon  after,  finding  the  prince  a 
young  man  of  great  abilities,  he  appointed  him  to  the  important 
office  of  grand  vizier,  which  happened  to  be  vacant. 

Assad,  in  the  mean  time,  continued  in  the  dungeon.  The 
solemn  festival  of  the  adorers  of  fire  approached,  and  a ship 
was  fitted  out  for  the  fiery  mountain,  as  usual,  under  command 
of  one  Behram,  an  able  sailor,  but  a rigid  zealot  to  that  religion. 

From  the  time  Prince  Amgrad  was  appointed  grand  vizier, 
he  was  indefatigable  in  searching  after  his  beloved  brother; 
and  when  he  heard  the  ship  was  about  to  sail  for  the  fiery 
mountain,  as  he  had  reason  to  fear  that  Assad  had  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  worshippers  of  fire,  he  resolved  to  search  that 
ship  with  the  utmost  strictness.  He  delayed  the  examination 
till  the  ship  had  begun  to  sail,  when  going  on  board  with  proper 
assistance,  he  obliged  the  captain  to  return  into  the  harbor. 
He  then  superintended  the  search  himself,  and  examined  every 
part  of  the  ship  with  the  most  scrupulous  attention  ; but  in  vain, 
for  Behram  had  conveyed  the  pri^;>ce  on  board  in  a chest  half 
full  of  merchandise,  leaving  only  Koom  for  him  to  breathe,  and 
had  stowed  it  in  at  the  bottom  Ok  uhe  hold. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  187 

Amgrad,  thus  disappointed,  permitted  the  ship  to  proceed. 
Soon  after  they  had  sailed,  a violent  storm  drove  them  out  of 
their  course,  and  when  it  abated,  they  had  the  mortification  to 
find  themselves  at  the  entrance  of  the  port  and  capital  of  Queen 
Margiana,  a devout  Mohammedan,  and  so  zealous  against  the 
worshippers  of  fire,  that  she  had  banished  them  her  dominions, 
and  forbade  their  ships  to  touch  at  any  of  her  ports  under  the 
severest  penalty. 

In  this  situation,  exposed  to  certain  destruction  if  they  con- 
tinued out  at  sea,  and  with  scarce  any  hope  of  escape  if  they 
ventured  to  land,  the  captain  applied  to  his  unfortunate 
prisoner;  he  took  off  his  chains,  and  exacted  a solemn  oath, 
that  he  should  act  as  he  was  directed,  and  on  no  Recount 
declare  his  own  situation.  Assad,  having  conformed  to  this 
request,  was  clothed  in  a very  neat  dress,  as  he  was  to  pass  for 
a superior  slave ; after  which  Behram  boldly  steered  his  vessel 
into  the  port,  and  anchored  close  to  the  gardens  of  the  palace. 

As  the  storm  had  not  yet  entirely  subsided,  and  the  ship  lay 
at  the  farthest  extent  of  the  port,  it  was  some  hours  before  the 
captain  was  summoned  to  attend  the  queen,  and  give  an  account 
of  his  vessel.  Behram  only  wished  to  gain  time,  that  the 
weather  might  become  fine  again  ; he  delayed,  therefore,  leaving 
his  ship  as  long  as  possible,  and  at  length  set  forward  slowly, 
taking  Assad  with  him, 

Behram  hoped  that  Margiana,  seeing  a Mussulman  with 
him,  would  not  inquire  very  particularly  about  the  rest  of  the 
crew.  If  she  did,  he  intended  to  present  Assad  to  her  as  a 
slave,  which  he  doubted  not  would  be  acceptable  to  her,  and 
that,  in  return,  she  would  allow  them  to  remain  in  port.  But 
as  the  weather,  during  his  delay,  had  become  more  moderate, 
before  he  was  admitted  to  the  queen's  presence,  he  altered  his 
intention  of  parting  with  Assad,  whom  he  again  hoped  to  keep 
for  the  sacrifice. 

The  queen  was  greatly  taken  with  the  supposed  slave.  After 
a few  questions  to  the  captain,  she  turned  to  the  prince,  and 
asked  him  his  name.  The  unfortunate  youth,  restrained  by  his 
oath  from  declaring  his  situation,  with  tears  in  his  eyes  desired 
the  queen  would  tell  him  if  she  wished  to  know  his  former  or 
his  present  name.  ‘‘  Have  you  two  names  ? " replied  the  queen. 
“ I have,  madam,"  replied  he  ; “ my  former  name  was  Assad 
(most  happy) ; my  present  one  is  Morcar  (devoted  to  be 
sacrificed)." 

Though  Margiana  did  not  find  out  from  these  expressions 
the  true  situation  that  the  prince  was  in,  yet  she  understood  that 


i88 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


he  was  unhappy.  Something  in  his  air  and  manner  seemed  to 
distinguish  him  ; her  partiality  was  confirmed,  and  her  pity 
awakened  by  his  answer.  She  said,  therefore,  to  the  captain, 
“ Either  sell  me  this  slave,  or  give  him  to  me.  Perhaps  it  will 
turn  most  to  your  account  to  d6  the  latter.^’ 

Behram  bluntly  answered  he  would  neither  sell  nor  give 
him ; on  which  the  queen  replied,  in  anger,  Then  I will  seize 
him  ; and  do  you  leave  my  port  directly,  or  I will  confiscate 
your  vessel.”  Saying  this,  she  led  the  prince  into  the  palace. 
Behram  withdrew  greatly  mortified,  and  prepared  to  put  to  sea 
immediately. 

The  queen  conducted  Assad  into  her  apartment,  and  desired 
he  woi^d  tell  her  who  he  was,  and  by  what  means  he  came  into 
the  power  of  the  captain,  .\ssad  concealed  nothing  from  her. 
When  the  queen  heard  that  he  was  of  royal  birth,  she  was  no 
longer  unwilling  to  indulge  a passion  she  had  before  begun  to 
feel  for  him  of  the  most  tender  kind,  and  her  indignation  against 
the  adorers  of  fire  increased  in  proportion. 

As  evening  drew  on,  she  ordered  supper  to  be  served  early  ; 
saying,  with  a smile,  “We  must  endeavor,  prince,  to  make  you 
some  amends  for  the  bad  meals  you  have  had  since  you  fell  into 
the  hands  of  these  barbarians.”  An  elegant  repast  was  served, 
and  the  queen  ordered  Assad  to  be  supplied  liberally  with  wine 
to  raise  his  spirits.  But  this  kindness  was  attended  with  mis- 
chievous consequences.  The  prince,  after  supper,  finding  he 
had  drank  too  much  wine,  withdrew  into  the  garden,  and  coming 
to  a fountain,  he  washed  his  hands  and  face  to  refresh  himself, 
after  which  he  sat  down,  and  the  liquor  overpowering  him,  he 
fell  asleep. 

Meanwhile  Behram,  dreading  the  consequence  of  Assad  ex- 
plaining his  former  situation  to  the  queen,  hastened  on  board, 
and  prepared  to  sail.  But  they  were  short  of  water,  and  as  he 
did  not  dare  to  apply  to  the  city  for  relief,  he  resolved  on  a bold 
measure.  The  ship  lay  close  to  the  royal  gardens  ; it  was  now 
night  j he  ordered  his  men  to  roll  the  casks  to  the  fountain  that 
was  in  the  middle  of  them,  and  trusted  that,  as  it  was  dark,  he 
might  fill  them  unobserved. 

While  some  of  the  sailors  were  thus  employed,  others 
rambled  to  the  other  side  of  the  fountain,  where  they  discovered 
Assad  asleep.  They  knew  him  immediately  ; they  seized  and 
conveyed  him,  still  asleep,  on  board  the  ship.  The  captain, 
overjoyed  that  he  had  so  unexpectedly  recovered  his  captive, 
soon  completed  his  watering,  and  set  sail  for  the  fiery  moun 
tain. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS 


189 

While  this  passed  on  board  the  ship,  the  queen  began  to  be 
much  alarmed  that  Assad  did  not  return.  She  sent  several  of 
her  slaves  into  the  garden  in  search  of  him  ; and  on  their 
returning  without  success,  she  ordered  a party  of  her  guards  to 
attend  her  with  lighted  torches  for  the  same  purpose.  When 
they  came  to  the  fountain,  they  found  a slipper,  which  the  queen 
remembered  to  have  seen  worn  by  Assad  ; the  sailors  had  left 
sufficient  marks  to  trace  them  to  the  shore  where  they  had  taken 
in  their  water;  and  Behram’s  vessel  having  put  to  sea,  left 
Margiana  no  doubt  of  the  prince’s  misfortune. 

There  lay  at  that  time  in  the  port,  ready  for  sailing,  ten  of 
the  queen’s  men-of-war.  Without  waiting  for  daylight,  Mar- 
giana went  on  board  one  of  these  ships,  and  ordered  the  com- 
mander to  put  to  sea  with  the  whole  fleet,  and  pursue  the 
merchantman  ; promising  to  give  the  ship  and  cargo  as  plunder 
to  any  captain  who  should  be  so  fortunate  as  to  overtake  her. 

They  came  in  sight  of  the  prize  next  morning,  and  spread 
themselves  so  wide,  that  Behram  soon  saw  it  was  impossible  to 
escape.  In  this  situation,  the  captain  durst  not  be  found  with 
Assad  on  board ; nor  would  he  venture  to  kill  him,  lest  some 
accidental  circumstance  should  betray  the  outrage.  He  com- 
manded him,  therefore,  to  be  brought  up  out  of  the  hold,  and 
thrust  him  overboard. 

Assad  was  an  expert  swimmer,  and  as  they  were  fortunately 
at  no  great  distance  from  the  shore,  he  made  shift  to  reach 
it.  Having  returned  thanks  to  heaven  for  his  escape,  and 
refreshed  himself  with  such  herbs  and  fruits  as  he  could  find, 
he  travelled  along  the  coast,  without  knowing  where  it  would 
lead  him.  On  the  evening  of  the  eleventh  day,  he  discovered 
the  city  of  Magicians,  which  he  immediately  knew.  He  set  for- 
ward towards  it  with  great  spirit,  and  having  gained  wisdom  by 
his  misfortunes,  he  resolved  to  speak  to  no  one  but  Mussul- 
mans ; but  before  he  could  reach  the  city,  the  gates  were  shut, 
and  he  was  obliged  to  take  shelter  for  that  night  in  one  of  the 
tombs  in  an  adjoining  cemetery. 

Behram,  when  he  had  thrown  the  prince  overboard,  as  he 
plainly  saw  it  was  impossible  to  escape  from  Maigiana’s  fleet, 
did  not  attempt  it.  He  lay  to,  till  the  ship  in  which  the  queen 
was  came  up  with  him,  when  he  lowered  his  sails  as  a token  of 
his  yielding. 

The  queen  herself  came  on  board,  and  demanded  where 
the  slave  was  whom  he  had  the  boldness  to  take  away 
from  her,  out  of  her  very  palace.  Behram  vowed  the  slave 
was  not  in  his  ship,  which  he  desired  might  be  searched, 


190 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


and  appealed  to  the  issue  of  that  search  to  testify  his  in- 
nocence. 

The  most  exact  survey  was  made.  Every  box,  every  pack, 
age  was  opened  to  no  purpose.  The  queen  hesitated.  As  it 
was  possible  Assad  might  have  escaped,  she  would  not  put 
Behram  and  his  companions  to  death  ; yet  she  was  so  much 
enraged  that  she  ordered  them  to  be  put  on  shore,  and 
delivered  up  the  ship  and  cargo  to  the  commander,  as  she  had 
promised. 

Behram  and  his  seamen  knew  the  country  where  they  were 
landed,  and  set  oif  immediately  for  the  city  of  Magicians,  where 
they  arrived  the  same  night  that  Assad  did ; and  for  the  same 
reason  were  obliged  to  take  shelter  among  the  tomb^.  Tn  the 
morning,  the  prince  was  seized  by  them  ; and  as  soon  ‘as  the 
gates  were  open,  they  conveyed  him  in  the  midst  of  them  to  the 
house  of  his  former  persecutor. 

He  was  received  with  shouts  of  joy,  interrupted  by  re- 
proaches and  curses,  and  conducted  to  his  former  dungeon. 
While  he  was  lamenting  the  severity  of  his  fortune,  which  had 
again  so  strangely  betrayed  him  into  the  hands  of  his  cruel 
tormentors,  Bostava  entered  with  a cudgel,  a loaf,  and  a 
pitcher. 

Assad,  overcome  with  so  many  calamities,  felt  his  heart  sink 
within  him  at  the  sight  of  one  he  had  so  much  reason  to  dread  ; 
but  he  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  his  terrors  groundless. 
Bostava,  instead  of  treating  him  with  severity,  loosened  his 
chains  and  set  before  him  some  choice  provisions  and  pleasant 
sherbet.  When  he  had  refreshed  himself,  she  assured  him  that 
he  was  entirely  safe  from  those  indignities  he  dreaded.  ‘‘  Since 
you  were  here,”  she  said,  a slave,  who  is  a Mussulman,  has 
converted  me  to  the  true  religion.  This  is  an  entire  secret  in 
the  family.  As  soon  as  I had  heard  you  were  brought  again  a 
prisoner,  I petitioned  to  have  the  sole  care  of  you,  and  as  that 
request  was  supposed  to  arise  from  my  devotion  to  the  fire, 
it  was  readily  granted.  By  this  means  it  is  in  my  power  to 
secure  you  from  every  evil  except  confinement,  and  I will 
diligently  watch  for  an  opportunity  to  set  you  at  liberty.” 

The  prince  was  transported  at  this  fortunate  event.  He  re- 
lated to  Bostava  who  he  was,  and  said  everything  he  could 
imagine,  to  strengthen  her  belief  in  the  Mohammedan  religion. 
A few  days  afterwards,  as  she  was  standing  at  her  father’s  door, 
she  saw  the  grand  vizier  at  the  head  of  a procession,  and  heard 
a crier  proclaim  a great  reward  to  any  one  who  would  give  in- 
formation of  the  prince  Assad.  As  no  one  w??^  in  the  way  at 


ARABIAjV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


19J 

that  time  who  could  control  her,  she  hastened  to  the  dungeon, 
and  saying  to  the  prince,  Follow  me  quickly ! she  conducted 
him  to  the  door,  and  showed  him  the  procession  where  he  would 
find  his  brother. 

Assad  fled  from  a house  in  which  he  had  suffered  so  much, 
and  presented  himself  to  Amgrad,  who  instantly  knew  him. 
Their  meeting  was  inexpressibly  tender.  After  the  turbulence 
of  their  joy  had  a little  subsided,  Amgrad  conducted  his  brother 
to  the  palace,  and  presented  him  to  the  king,  who  immediately 
appointed  him  one  of  his  viziers.  . The  treatment  Assad  had 
received  from  the  worshippers  of  fire,  was  of  course  related  to 
the  sovereign,  who  in  rage  ordered  their  houses  to  be  razed  to 
the  ground.  The  old  man,  his  daughter  Cavama,  and  Behram, 
were  taken  and  ordered  to  be  put  to  death  ; but  Bostava  en- 
treated Prince  Assad  to  intercede  for  them  ; and  they  were  par- 
doned on  condition  of  their  becoming  Mohammedans,  to  which 
they  agreed. 

Some  time  after  these  things,  the  princes  determined  to 
return  to  their  father’s  court,  not  doubting  but  he  was  by  this 
time  convinced  of  their  innocence.  They  resigned  their  offices 
to  the  king  of  the  Magicians,  and  thanked  him  for  his  protec- 
tion. They  were  actually  taking  leave  of  their  royal  benefactor, 
when  a tumult  was  heard,  and  an  officer  came  in,  hastily,  with 
a notice  that  a numerous  army  was  advancing  against  the  city. 

The  king  being  exceedingly  alarmed,  Amgrad  proposed  that 
he  should  set  out  to  meet  the  invaders  with  a small  retinue,  and 
inquire  the  cause  of  this  hostile  appearance.  This  counsel  be- 
ing  approved,  Amgrad  set  out  accordingly,  and  on  his  arrival 
was  conducted  to  a princess  who  commanded  the  army.  In 
answer  to  the  prince’s  inquiries,  she  told  him  that  she  had  no 
quarrel  with  the  king  of  the  Magicians.  “I  come,”  said  she, 
“ to  require,  in  good  friendship,  a slave  named  Assad,  to  be 
given  up  to  me,  and  to  demand  punishment  of  one  Behram,  a 
captain  of  a ship  who  insolently  carried  him  away  in  defiance 
of  me.  I hope  your  king  will  do  me  justice  when  he  knows  that 
I am  Margiana.” 

“ Mighty  queer,”  replied  Amgrad,  the  slave  to  whom  you 
do  so  much  honor,  is  my  brother ; if  your  majesty  will  permit 
me  to  conduct  you  to  my  master’s  palace,  I will  present  him  to 
you.”  Margiana  was  rejoiced  at  this  account.  She  ordered 
her  army  to  encamp  where  they  were,  and  set  out  immediately 
for  the  palace.  The  king  received  her  as  became  her  dignity, 
and  Assad  paid  his  duty  to  her  in  a manner  which  highly  de- 
lighted her. 


192 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAmMENTS, 


While  they  were  thus  engaged,  news  came  that  another  army 
still  more  numerous  drew  near.  This  was  led  by  Gaiour,  king 
of  China.  I come,”  said  he  to  Amgrad,  ‘‘  in  search  of  my 
daughter  Badoura,  whom  I gave  in  marriage  many  years  ago  to 
Camaralzaman,  son  of  Schahzaman,  king  of  Khaledan.  I have 
heard  nothing  of  them  for  a long  time.  I therefore  have  left 
my  kingdom,  thus  attended,  to  find  them  out.” 

Amgrad  kissed  the  king’s  hand,  and  informed  him  that  he 
was  his  grandson.  Giaour  greatly  rejoiced  at  this  unexpected 
meeting,  ordered  his  troops  to  pitch  their  tents,  and  went  with 
Amgrad  to  the  palace. 

A great  dust  was  now  seen  to  rise  opposite  another  quarter 
of  the  town.  The  princes  immediately  rode  thither,  and  found 
it  was  Camaralzaman,  their  father,  at  the  head  of  a third  army. 
He  had  been  so  afflicted  for  the  loss  of  his  sons,  that  at  last 
the  emir  Giendar  ventured  to  tell  him  that  he  had  spared  their 
lives,  and  that  they  had  set  forward  for  the  city  of  the  Magicians. 

Camaralzaman  embraced  his  children  with  the  most  anima- 
ted affection ; their  filial  duty  made  them  at  once  forget  their 
former  ill-treatment,  and  return  his  caresses  with  unfeigned 
love. 

A fourth  army  approached  the  city.  The  venerable  Schahza- 
man came  thus  attended,  in  search  of  Camaralzaman  ; the  latter 
prince  was  overcome  with  shame  and  grief  on  hearing  this  ac- 
count : he  reproached  himself  with  his  long  neglect  of  the  good 
old  king,  who  yet  retained  so  much  affection  for  him  as  to  dis- 
regard the  fatigue  and  perils  of  a long  and  uncertain  journey  to 
find  him  out.  The  king  of  Khaledarv  readily  forgave  him,  and 
after  a few  days’  repose  at  the  city  of  the  Magicians  (during 
which  time  Assad  espoused  the  queen  Margiana),  the  princes 
set  out  for  their  respective  territories,  and  Amgrad,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  king  of  the  Magicians,  who  was  very  old,  ascended 
the  throne  of  that  empire,  which  he  filled  with  great  ability,  dis- 
tinguishing himself  particularly  by  his  zeal  in  exterminating  the 
worship  of  fire,  and  establishing  the  Moha-mmedan  religion 
throughout  his  dominions. 


THE  STORY  OF  NOUREDDIN  AND  THE  FAIR  PERSIAN. 

Zinchi,  the  king  of  Balsora,  held  that  crov/n  as  tributary  to 
the  caliphs  of  Arabia.  The  vassalage  was  so  complete,  that  the 
latter  considered  the  sovereigns  of  Balsora  as  accountable  to 
them  for  every  minute  regulation  in  their  government ; they 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


T93 


were  frequently  reprimanded,  and  sometimes  dethroned,  when 
their  conduct  did  not  please  the  commander  of  the  Faithful. 

The  appearance  of  regal  dignity  was  kept  up,  notwithstand- 
ing the  power  was  so  limited  ; and  Zinchi  being  of  an  indolent 
disposition,  divided  the  office  of  grand  vizier  between  his  two 
favorites,  Khacan  and  Saouy,  both  men  of  good  abilities,  but  of 
very  opposite  characters.  Khacan  was  open,  generous,  affable, 
fond  of  obliging,  and,  as  a magistrate,  strictly  impartial ; he  was 
universally  respected  and  beloved.  Saouy  was  the  reverse  of 
his  colleague ; sullen,  morose,  haughty,  insatiably  covetous 
though  immensely  rich,  venal,  and  tyrannical  ; he  was,  of  course, 
generally  detested  ; and  if  anything  could  add  to  the  popular 
aversion,  it  was  his  declared  enmity  to  Khacan,  the  favorite  of 
the  people. 

Such  were  the  ministers  of  the  indolen^.  Zinchi,  who,  relying 
on  their  talents,  left  to  them  the  care  of  his  government,  and 
resigned  himself  to  the  gratification  of  his  appetites. 

One  day  the  king  was  discoursing  with  his  viziers  and  great 
men  about  women.  Some  were  of  opinion  that  if  a woman  had 
great  beauty  and  accomplishments,  it  was  as  much  as  a man 
need  desire.  Saouy  was  an  advocate  for  this  doctrine  ; but 
Khacan  supported  very  contrary  ideas,  and  described  so  feel- 
ingly that  love  which  is  founded  on  esteem,  that  the  king  de- 
clared himself  of  his  opinion  ; and  as  Khacan,  in  the  course  of 
his  argument,  had  supposed  a woman  might  unite  the  more  valu- 
able qualities  of  the  heart  with  personal  beauty  and  exterior 
graces,  the  king  ordered  ten  thousand  pieces  of  gold  to  be  paid 
to  him,  and  directed  him  to  use  all  diligence  in  purchasing  such 
a woman  as  he  had  described. 

When  the  viziers  withdrew  from  the  royal  presence,  they 
were  both  dissatisfied.  Saouy  was  tormented  at  the  distinction 
with  which  the  king  had  honored  his  rival.  Khacan  was  exceed- 
ingly  grieved  at  receiving  a commission  which  he  apprehended 
would  involve  him  in  many  difficulties.  He  immediately  ordered 
all  those  persons  who  dealt  in  slaves  to  give  him  notice  when 
any  one  of  superior  beauty  and  merit  fell  in  their  way.  For  a 
long  time  his  inquiries  were  in  vain  ; at  last  a Persian  merchant 
produced  a slave  whose  beauty  and  accomplishments  were  in 
the  highest  perfection. 

The  vizier  paid  the  price  demanded  for  her  by  the  merchant, 
though  it  exceeded  the  sum  deposited  in  his  hands  by  the  king. 
When  he  was  about  to  conduct  her  to  the  palace,  the  merchant 
advised  him  to  take  her  home,  and  let  her  repose  fora  few  days 
after  her  long  journey,  before  he  introduced  her  to  his  sovereign  ; 


194 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  EAHERTAINMENTS, 


assuring  him  that  both  her  beauty  and  sprightly  turn  would  ap 
pear  to  greater  advantage  when  she  had  recovered  from  hei 
fatigue.  Khacan  approved  of  this  advice,  and  accordingly 
placed  her  in  care  of  his  wife,  and  at  the  same  timS  acquainted 
the  lovely  Selima  (which  was  her  name)  with  the  honor  that 
awaited  her. 

The  vizier  had  an  only  son,  named  Noureddin,  a forward 
youth  of  good  parts  and  handsome  person,  of  whom  his  mother 
was  so  fond,  that  she  still  continued  to  allow  him  the  liberty  of 
the  women’s  apartments,  though  the  time  of  shutting  him  out 
was  several  years  past.  Noureddin  no  sooner  saw  the  beauti- 
ful Selima,  than  he  became  a captive  to  her  charms.  Though 
he  knew  his  father  had  purchased  her  for  the  king,  yet  he 
resolved  to  run  all  hazards  rather  than  not  secure  her  to  him- 
self ; nor  did  the  fair  Persian  see  Noureddin  with  indifference. 
Whatever  honor  or  splendor  she  might  hope  from  being  the 
king’s  mistress,  she  would  gladly  have  renounced  them  to  pass 
her  life  with  the  son  of  the  vizier, 

Selima,  having  reposed  for  several  days,  the  minister 
directed  a costly  bath  to  be  prepared  for  her,  intending  to  pre- 
sent her  next  day  to  his  master.  As  these  baths  were  seldom 
prepared,  the  vizier’s  lady  ordered  her  slaves  to  get  bathing- 
clothes  ready  for  her,  intending  to  enjoy  the  bath  herself  when 
Selima  had  left  it.  All  these  particulars  Noureddin  learned 
from  a slave  whom  he  had  corrupted.  Reduced  to  despair,  he 
resolved  to  attempt  an  adventure  the  most  audacious  that  could 
be  imagined.  He  concealed  himself  in  the  women’s  apartments 
till  Selima  returned  to  her  chamber,  and  his  mother  went  to  the 
bath.  He  then  visited  the  fair  Persian ; and  having  dismissed 
her  attendants,  boldly  told  her  that  his  father  had  altered  his 
intention,  and  instead  of  presenting  her  to  the  king,  had  given 
her  to  him.  The  lovely  slave  wished  this  to  be  true,  and  was 
not  therefore  disposed  to  doubt  it. 

Khacan  was  equally  enraged  and  distressed  when  he  heard 
of  the  violation  his  son  had  committed.  Besides  being  dis- 
appointed in  presenting  so  beautiful  a slave  to  his  master,  he 
was  terrified  lest  his  enemy  Saouy  should  come  to  a knowledge 
of  an  affair  by  which  he  might  effect  his  destruction.  He 
ordered  the  merchants  to  renew  their  search,  declaring  that  the 
fair  Persian  by  no  means  answered  his  expectation  ; he  fre- 
quently complained  to  the  king  of  t’.c  many  difficulties  he  found 
in  executing  his  commission  ; in  short,  lie  managed  the  business 
with  so  much  address,  that  Zinchi  insensibly  forgot  it ; and 
though  Saouy  got  some  imperfect  information  of  the  transaction, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


195 

jret  Khacan  was  so  much  in  the  king’s  favor,  that  he  was  afraid 
to  speak  of  it. 

It  was  a long  time  before  the  vizier  would  suffer  his  son  to 
appear  in  his  presence  ; but  time,  which  subdues  all  things,  at 
length  softened  his  anger  ; and  as  the  virtues  of  Selima  engaged 
his  esteem,  he  resolved  to  give  her  to  Noureddin,  if  he  would 
promise  not  to  look  upon  her  as  a slave,  but  as  a wife.  He 
stipulated  also  with  the  young  m.an  that  he  would  never  be 
divorced  from  her,  much  less  sell  her.  With  these  conditions 
Noureddin  joyfully  complied  ; and  the  peace  of  the  vizier’s 
household  was  restored. 

Very  soon  after  these  events,  Khacan  was  seized  with  a 
dangerous  illness,  which  soon  put  an  end  to  his  life.  When  he 
was  on  his  death-bed,  he  renewed  his  injunctions  to  his  son, 
never  to  part  with  the  fair  Persian.  Noureddin  did  not  hesitate 
to  avow  the  most  dutiful  obedience. 

For  a time  Noureddin  lamented  his  father  sincerely  ; but 
the  gayety  of  youth  soon  recurred  ; and  when  he  found  himself 
possessed  of  immense  riches,  he  resolved  to  make  himself 
amends  for  the  restraint  he  had  been  under,  by  gratifying  every 
wish  of  his  heart.  He  gave  the  most  magnificent  and  luxurious 
entertainments,  and  drew  about  him  a society  of  gay  companions, 
among  whom  he  dissipated  his  fortune  with  an  incredible  pro- 
fusion. 'These  parasites  perpetually  surrounded  him.  In  vain 
the  fair  Selima  (whom  he  continued  to  love  with  undiminished 
ardor)  gently  remonstrated  with  him  on  his  too  abundant 
generosity  ; in  vain  his  careful  steward  hinted  to  him,  that  such 
excess  would  soon  empty  a royal  treasury.  He -continued  his 
extravagant  made  of  living,  and  lavished  away  large  sums  in 
presents  to  his  companions. 

Nothing  contributed  so  much  to  the  ruin  of  Noureddin’s 
fortune  as  his  unwillingness  to  look  into  his  accounts.  When- 
ever his  steward  came  to  lay  before  him  a state  of  his  disburse- 
ments, he  always  put  him  aside  with  a jest,  or  drove  him  away 
with  anger. 

One  morning,  while  he  was  surrounded  by  the  tribe  of 
greedy  sycophants  who  generally  beset  him,  his  steward  pre- 
sented himself  before  him,  and  requested  permission  to  speak 
with  him  alone.  The  air  and  manner  of  the  steward,  when  he 
made  this  request,  indicated  something  unusual  and  disagree- 
able. Noureddin  withdrew  with  him  ; and  one  of  the  company, 
more  curious  than  the  rest,  follov/ed  them  out,  and  so  placed 
himself  that  he  could  hear  all  that  passed  between  them  un- 
observed. 


196 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  EASTER  TAINME NTS. 


The  steward  began  with  lamenting  that  he  had  so  often  in 
vain  remonstrated  with  him.  Noureddin  endeavored  to  silence 
him,  but  he  would  be  heard.  The  time  is  now  come,”  said 
he,  “ that  you  must  listen  to  me.  Of  all  that  mass  of  wealth 
that  came  into  your  possession  a year  ago,  the  few  pieces  in  my 
hand  are  the  whole  remainder  ; your  entertainments  therefore 
must  be  at  an  end,  or  you  must  provide  me  with  afresh  supply.” 
Noureddin,  who  had  been  overwhelmed  by  the  first  part  of  this 
conversation,  began  to  revive  at  the  latter  hint.  ^‘You  shall 
not  long  want  that  supply,”  said  he  ; ‘‘  I have  many  friends  at 
this  time  in  my  house,  who  will  rejoice  to  satisfy  my  occa- 
sions.” 

The  listener,  having  heard  this  much,  withdrew ; and  re- 
turning to  his  companions,  repeated  what  had  passed.  He 
had  scarce  made  an  end  of  liis  account,  when  Noureddin 
entered  the  room  also. 

Noureddin  appeared  with  an  affected  air  of  pleasantry  which 
ill  concealed  the  anguish  of  his  mind.  He  was  considering 
whether  it  would  be  better  to  declare  his  necessities  to  his 
friends  now  they  were  together,  or  apply  to  them  separately  ; 
when  one,  whom  he  had  ever  most  distinguished,  rose  up,  and 
making  a slight  apology,  withdrew. 

Noureddin,  without  well  knowing  why,  was  much  affected 
at  this.  The  person  who  went  away  was  his  favorite  cotnpanion, 
had  been  enriched  by  his  bounty,  and  was  always  one  of  the 
last  who  left  him.  While  his  mind  teemed  with  these  uneasy 
reflections,  another,  the  most  servile  and  cringing  of  the  set, 
in  a pert  and  careless  manner,  bade  him  good-morning.  The 
others  soon  followed  ; and  in  a very  short  time  he  was  left  by 
himself. 

The  young  man  passed  the  rest  of  the  day  in  melancholy 
reflections  on  his  imprudence.  He  determined  at  length  to 
borrow  a certain  sum  from  each  of  his  companions,  with  which 
he  would  go  to  some  other  city,  and  commence  business.  As 
there  was  not  one  among  them  who  had  not  received  tenfold 
more  from  his  bounty  than  he  meant  to  ask,  he  would  not  suffer 
the  idea  of  a refusal  to  disturb  him.  Having  thus  settled  a 
plan  for  his  future  conduct,  his  mind  became  more  calm,  and 
he  withdrew  to  Selima’s  apartment,  to  whom  he  related  Ins 
situation  and  intention. 

The  day  following,  he  set  out  to  visit  his  dear  and  devoted 
friends  ; but  was  so  unfortunate  as  not  to  find  any  of  them  at 
home.  One,  indeed,  convinced  him  he  was  not  abroad  ; for  he 
heard  him  direct  his  slave  to  say  he  was  not  at  home,  adding, 


ARABIAN  NIGhTS^  ENI'ERTAINMENTS 


197 

“ Whenever  that  extravagant  fellow  comes  here,  give  him  the 
same  answer/’ 

Noureddin  was  equally  enraged  and  ashamed.  He  was 
giving  way  to  despair,  when  the  fair  Persian  advised  him  to 
dismiss  his  household,  sell  his  slaves  and  furniture,  and  try  if  he 
could  not  raise  money  enough  from  them  to  carry  his  plan  into 
execution.  Noureddin  embraced  this  prudent  counsel ; but 
even  in  this  commendable  scheme  he  was  disappointed.  Being 
obliged  to  sell,  his  goods  did  not  fetch  him.  half  their  value ; 
and  a fit  of  sickness,  the  consequence  of  his  vexation  and 
former  irregularities,  held  him  so  long,  that,  on  his  recovery,  he 
found  the  whole  produce  of  the  sale  was  expended. 

In  this  extremity  of  distress,  he  once  more  had  recourse  to 
the  advice  of  his  beloved  Selima,  who,  seeing  no  other  means 
of  relief  within  his  reach,  reminded  him  how  much  money  his 
father  had  paid  for  her.  “ I am  your  slave,”  said  she  ; “ you 
have  a right  to  dispose  of  me ; and  how  much  soever  I shall 
suffer  from  such  an  event,  I advise  you  to  sell  me  ; and  I heartily 
wish  you  may  not  lose  much  of  the  sum  your  father  gave  for  me.” 

Noureddin  could  not  hear  this  advice  without  feeling  the 
keenest  anguish.  Not  only  his  love  for  the  fair  Persian  re- 
volted at  such  an  idea,  but  the  remembrance  of  his  promise  to 
his  father  never  to  part  with  her,  rose  in  his  mind,  and  made 
him  think  of  such  a measure  with  additional  regret.  But  invin- 
cible necessity  must  be  submitted  to.  He  led  her,  with  inex- 
pressible reluctance,  to  the  market  where  women  slaves  are  ex- 
posed for  sale,  and  applied  to  a crier,  named  Hagi  Hassan,  to 
sell  her. 

The  crier  immediately  knew  the  fair  Persian  was  the  same 
slave  that  Khacan  had  bought  at  so  very  high  a price.  He 
went  directly  among  the  merchants,  where  he  exclaimed,  with 
great  gayety,  My  masters,  everything  that  is  round  is  not  a 
nut ; everything  that  is  long  is  not  a fig ; all  that  is  red  is  not 
flesh ; and  all  eggs  are  not  fresh.  You  have  seen  and  bought, 
no  doubt,  many  slaves  in  your  time ; but  you  never  saw  one 
comparable  to  her  I have  now  to  sell.  Follow  me,  and  see 
her  ,*  and  then  name  the  price  I ought  to  cry  her  at.” 

The  merchants  were  surprised  when  they  saw  her,  and  all 
agreed  that  Hagi  Hassan  oaght  not  to  begin  with  a less  sum 
than  four  thousand  pieces  of  gold.  He  began  to  cry  accord- 
ingly at  that  price,  when  the  vizier  Saouy  chanced  to  enter  the 
market,  and  hearing  so  large  a sum  asked  fo’'  a female  slave, 
demanded  to  see  her. 

It  was  a privilege  the  merchants  of  Balsora  enjoyed,  that 


1 98  biajv  nights^  enter tainments. 

no  person  should  see  a slave  till  they  had  offered  the  most 
they  chose  to  give.  After  which  any  person  might  see  her  ^ 
and  if  the  stranger  offered  more  money  than  the  highest  bidder 
among  the  merchants,  he  was  declared  the  purchaser. 

But  Saouy  regarded  no  man’s  privilege.  He  demanded  to 
see  the  fair  slave  immediately  ; and  finding  her  more  beautiful 
than  he  had  imagined,  he  looked  sternly  on  the  merchants,  and 
said,  “ I will  give  the  sum  you  ask  for  this  slave  ! ” No  one 
durst  bid  more  than  the  overbearing  vizier.  The  merchants 
were  obliged  to  submit  to  this  arrogant  interference ; and  caus- 
ing the  fair  Persian  to  be  locked  up,  waited  at  the  door,  and 
directed  Hagi  Hassan  to  go  immediately  and  find  the  seller. 

Noureddin  had  retired  out  of  the  market  to  indulge  his  sor- 
row unobserved,  but  had  told  the  crier  where  he  might  be 
found.  Hagi  Hassan  went  to  him,  and  related  to  him  all  that 
had  passed.  If  anything  could  have  aggravated  Noureddin’s 
affliction,  it  was  that  Saouy  should  become  possessed  of  the 
fair  Persian.  The  sting  of  this  circumstance  made  him  quite 
inattentive  to  the  high  price  for  which  she  was  to  be  sold.  “ I 
swear  to  you,”  replied  he,  I would  sooner  die  than  part  with 
my  slave  for  ten  times  the  sum,  to  that  enemy  of  our  family  \ 
help  me,  I entreat  you,  good  Hagi,  to  the  means  of  escaping 
this  last  of  misfortunes.” 

“ You  must  conduct  yourself  in  this  manner,”  replied  the 
crier,  ‘‘  or  the  vizier  will  insist  upon  his  bargain.  When  I am 
about  to  present  her  to  him,  you  must  catch  her  by  the  arm, 
before  he  touches  her.  You  will  then  give  her  two  or  three 
blows,  and  tell  her  that,  although  her  bad  temper  made  you 
swear  that  you  would  expose  her  to  the  indignity  of  being  cried 
in  the  market,  yet  it  is  not  your  intent  to  sell  her.  Pull  her 
then  again  towards  you,  and  lead  her  away.” 

if^oureddin  followed  this  advice.  When  Saouy  saw  the  son 
of  Khacan  approach,  and  found  he  was  the  owner  of  the  beam 
tiful  slave,  he  enjoyed  to  the  utmost  his  malicious  triumph, 
and  his  disappointment  was  in  proportion  when  he  heard  him 
refuse  to  confirm  the  contract.  He  called  him  by  the  most 
reproachful  names,  and  riding  up  to  the  fair  Persian,  he  at- 
tempted to  seize  her.  Noureddin  wanted  not  this  provocation 
to  exasperate  him  against  the  vizier.  He  pulled  him  off  his 
horse,  rolled  him  in  the  kennel,  and  pummelled  his  head  a ai::iit 
the  stones,  till  he  had  almost  killed  him.  After  which  he  con- 
ducted the  fair  Persian  home  again. 

Saouy  also  retired,  amidst  the  shouts  and  execrations  of  the 
people,  who  had  prevented  his  attendants  from  assisting  him. 


AHABJAN  NIGHl^S^  EN7BKTAJJVMENTS, 


199 


He  presented  himself  immediately  before  the  king,  ail  bloody 
and  dirty  as  he  was,  and  besought  justice.  On  being  ordered 
to  say  on  what  account,  he  reminded  the  king  of  the  commission 
he  had  formerly  given  to  Khacan.  “ I saw  by  accident  to-day,” 
continued  he,  ^‘a  most  beautiful  slave,  which  the  profligate 
Noureddin  was  about  to  sell.  I had  no  doubt  but  she  was  the 
slave  Khacan  had  bought  for  your  majesty ; and  would  have 
reclaimed  her  for  you  j it  was  for  this  attempt  that  Noureddin 
has  treated  me  thus  cruelly.” 

The  king  became  greatly  enraged  on  this  account.  He  or- 
dered his  officers  to  seize  Noureddin  and  his  slave,  and  to  level 
his  house  with  the  ground.  One  of  the  royal  attendants  who 
heard  the  king’s  order,  had  been  appointed  to  his  office  by  the 
vizier  Khacan.  Full  of  gratitude  to  the  memory  of  his  bene- 
factor, he  ran  to  Noureddin’s  house,  and  putting  a purse  of 
gold  in  his  hand,  .told  him  briefly  what  had  happened,  and 
charged  him  to  fly  with  spe^d ; as,  if  he  was  taken,  the  king 
was  too  much  enraged  to  hear  him,  and  would  certainly  put  him 
to  death. 

Noureddin  and  Selima  hastened  towards  the  river,  where 
they  found  a vessel  on  the  point  of  sailing ; they  embarked 
without  inquiring  whither  she  was  bound,  and  after  a short  and 
pleasant  voyage  arrived  safely  at  Bagdad. 

When  they  landed,  it  was  evening,  and  having  no  baggage 
eo  take  care  of,  they  rambled  a considerable  time  about  the  gar- 
dens that  bordered  on  the  Tigris.  They  came  at  length  to  a 
porch  on  each  side  of  which  stood  a neat  sofa  ; and  as  they 
were  tired  with  their  walk,  they  sat  down  on  these  sofas,  and 
after  talking  together  for  some  time,  they  insensibly  fell  asleep. 

The  porch  was  the  entrance  to  a garden  belonging  to  the 
caliph,  in  which  was  a beautiful  pavilion  of  pictures.  The 
charge  of  this  garden  and  pavilion  was  committed  to  an  ancient 
officer,  called  Scheik  Ibral  im,  with  positive  orders  to  admit  no 
person  into  it,  nor  even  to  sit  on  the  sofas  that  stood  in  the 
porch. 

Scheik  Ibrahim  was  absent  in  the  city  on  business.  On  his 
return,  when  he  found  two  people  sleeping  on  the  sofas,  he  was 
so  enraged  that  he  was  going  to  chastise  them  ; but  seeing  by 
the  little  daylight  that  remained,  they  were  both  handsome,  and 
appeared  above  the  rank  of  the  vulgar,  he  resolved  to  awaken 
them,  and  hear  their  apology.  The  scheik  had  much  good-na- 
ture, and  more  vanity.  Finding  from  Ncureddin’s  excuse  that 
they  were  strangers  of  condition,  and  they  taking  him  for  the 
owner  of  the  garden,  he  resolved  to  humor  the  mistake  ; he 


200 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAIiVME NTS. 


asked  them  to  walk  in,  and  repose  themselves  in  a place  more 
suitable. 

They  accepted  his  invitation,  and  he  conducted  them  intc 
the  garden,  and  showed  them  the  pavilion ; the  hall  of  which 
was  adorned  with  fourscore  windows,  and  in  every  window  was 
a branched  candlestick  containing  a considerable  number  of 
waxlights  ; the  pavilion  was  in  every  other  respect  truly  mag- 
nificent. 

Scheik  Ibrahim  was  exceedingly  taken  with  his  guests  ; 
they  soon  became  familiar  with  each  other,  and  finding  how 
much  they  were  delighted  with  the  hail,  he  determined  they 
should  sup  there.  ‘‘  I came  here,”  said  he,  to  pass  the  even- 
ing alone,  and  therefore  have  no  slave  to  attend  you  ; but  if  you 
will  give  me  leave  to  wait  on  you,  I will  supply  all  your  wants.” 

When  they  had  supped,  Noureddin  dropped  a hint  that  some 
wine  would  not  be  unacceptable  ; at  which  Ibrahim  started, 
and  said,  ‘‘  Heaven  defend  me  from  keeping  wine  in  my  house, 
or  going  to  a place  where  it  is  sold  ! such  a man  as  I am,  who 
have  been  four  times  on  a pilgrimage  to  Mecca,  must  have  re- 
nounced wine  forever.” 

“ Notwithstanding  this,”  replied  Nouieddin,  “ I will  not  be 
deprived  of  my  wine  ; be  so  condescending  as  to  go  to  the 
door  of  a wine-house,  and  send  in  a porter  for  some,  which  he 
may  bring  here  ; and  that  you  may  have  the  less  scruple, 
it  shall  not  be  bought  with  your  money.”  He  then  put  a couple 
of  pieces  of  gold  into  the  Scheik’s  hand,  who,  laughing  in  his 
turn,  congratulated  his  guest  on  his  invention; — “without 
which,”  said  he,  “ I should  never  have  found  out  a way  of  pro- 
viding you  with  wine,  and  preserving  my  conscience  inviolate.” 

While  Ibrahim  was  gone,  it  occurred  to  Noureddin  that  all 
this  aversion  to  wine  was  but  hypocrisy,  and  that  his  host  would 
drink  his  cup  as  heartily  as  he  could.  To  try  this,  he  instructed 
Selima  how  to  act;  and  when  the  wine  came,  he  filled  three 
cups,  and  offered  one  to  Ibrahim.  The  old  man  started  back  as 
if  with  horror,  on  which  Noureddin  drank  the  cup,  and  the  fair 
Persian  presented  the  scheik  with  a slice  of  apple,  which  he 
received  with  great  pleasure. 

As  they  conversed,  Noureddin  pretended  to  fall  asleep. 
Selima  seemed  to  think  he  was  so,  and  presenting  a cup  of 
wine  to  the  old  man,  she  said,  “ Drink  this  cup  to  my  health, 
and  keep  me  company,  while  that  drowsy  sot  sleeps.”  Ibra- 
him for  a little  time  resisted  ; but  overcome  with  her  beauty, 
he  complied.  Soon  after,  he  drank  a second  cup  with  very 
little  opposition.  He  received  a third  from  Selima  without 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENT'S, 


201 


murmur;  and  the  fourth  he  helped  himself  to.  Noureddin 
seeing  this,  burst  out  a-laughing,  saying,  “ Ha  I Ibrahim,  you 
are  caught;  is  this  the  way  in  which  you  abstain  from  wine? 
Ibrahim,  warmed  with  what  he  had  drunk,  and  loving  wine, 
threw  aside  his  reserve,  joined  in  the  laugh,  and  sat  down  very 
cordially  with  his  guests  to  finish  the  bottle. 

While  Noureddin  and  his  host  were  conversing  together, 
Selima,  observing  the  candles  in  the  branches,  and  seeing  the 
room  looked  gloomy,  desired  Ibrahim  to  light  them.  As  he 
was  in  earnest  discourse  with  Noureddin,  he  said  to  ner,  jocu- 
larly, Lady,  you  are  much  the  youngest;  light  a few  of  them 
yourself.’^  Selima  immediately  lit  up  every  candle,  at  the  same 
time  opening  the  shutters  of  the  windows. 

When  the  pavilion  of  pictures  was  thus  illuminated,  it  made 
a very  splendid  appearance.  As  the  caliph  was  retiring  to  bed, 
it  chanced  that  he  opened  his  casement,  and  seeing  the  illumi- 
nation, he  inquired  of  Giafar  the  cause  of  it,  in  a manner 
sufficiently  expressive  of  his  displeasure.  The  vizier  had  a par- 
ticular friendship  for  Scheik  Ibrahim.  To  shield  him  from 
the  anger  of  the  caliph,  Giafar  invented  a tale  that  the  scheik 
had  applied  to  him  for  leave  to  celebrate  a religious  ceremony 
in  the  pavilion,  in  company  with  the  ministers  of  his  mosque. 
The  vizier,  to  secure  his  friend,  said  so  much  upon  the  subject 
that  he  excited  the  curiosity  of  the  caliph  ; who,  instead  of 
going  to  rest,  ordered  the  disguises  to  be  brought,  in  which  he 
and  Giafar  used  to  go  about  the  city,  and  made  him  and  Mes- 
rour,  with  the  other  slaves  about  him,  go  with  him  to  the 
pavilion. 

Giafar  knew  there  was  not  a word  of  truth  in  what  he  had 
told  his  master.  He  would  willingly,  therefore,  have  diverted 
the  caliph  from  his  purpose  ; but  in  vain  ; the  prince  would 
go  ; and  the  vizier,  trembling  for  the  consequences,  was  obliged 
to  attend  him. 

On  their  arrival,  they  found  the  door  of  the  hall  partly 
open  ; and  the  caliph  approaching,  was  surprised  to  see  a 
young  man  and  woman  of  such  extraordinary  beauty.  He  was 
also  much  displeased  to  see  Ibrahim,  whom  he  had  always 
considered  as  a grave,  steady  man,  now  drinking  wine,  and 
carousing  to  excess.  ‘‘  Are  these,”  said  he  to  the  vizier,  ‘‘  the 
ministers  of  the  mosque  you  told  me  of  ? ” 

At  this  instant,  Selima  took  up  a lute,  and  began  to  tune  it. 
The  caliph  was  exceedingly  fond  of  this  instrument ; he  again 
drew  near  the  door,  when  the  fair  Persian  played  on  it  so  ad- 
mirably as  quite  delighted  him.  Returning  to  the  vizier,  he 


202 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


said,  I will  forgive  you  all  if  you  will  contrive  to  introduce 
me  to  this  company,  without  discovering  who  I am/’ 

There  was  in  the  gardens  a fine  canal  which  abounded  with 
the  choicest  fish.  The  bold  and  needy  fishermen  of  the  town 
would  often  scale  the  walls,  though  strictly  prohibited,  to 
obtain  some  of  them.  It  occurred  to  the  vizier  that  possibly 
he  might  meet  with  one  of  these  pilferers.  Having  hinted  this 
to  the  caliph,  he  set  out  with  Mesrour,  and  fortunately  found 
one  stripped  to  his  shirt,  and  busily  employed  in  disengaging 
some  fish  from  the  net  which  he  had  just  drawn  on  shore.  At 
the  sight  of  the  caliph's  attendants,  away  ran  the  fisherman, 
leaving  the  fish,  nets,  and  clothes  behind  him.  Giafar  seized 
the  latter,  and  taking  with  him  a few  of  the  finest  fish,  he  per- 
suaded the  caliph  to  assume  the  appearance  of  a fisherman, 
and  present  himself  as  such  to  Ibrahim  and  his  companions. 

The  caliph  agreed  to  the  proposal ; but  lest  he  should  be 
exposed  to  any  insult  in  his  own  gardens,  he  sent  away  an  at- 
tendant for  his  imperial  robes.  He  then  dressed  himself  as  a 
fisherman,  and  entering  the  room  where  Ibrahim  and  his  guests 
were,  he  offered  to  sell  them  his  fish.  The  scheik  was  now 
drunk.  He  would  have  driven  away  the  supposed  fisherman  ; 
but  Selima  interposed,  and  expressed  a desire  to  have  the  fish, 
if  they  could  be  dressed  immediately.  My  princess,”  replied 
the  old  man,  “ I have  a kitchen  below,  where  this  fellow  may 
dress  them  if  he  pleases.”  “ I desire  no  better,”  replied  the 
caliph,  and  will  ask  nothing  for  them  if  you  will  let  me  join 
your  company.” 

This  being  agreed  to,  the  caliph,  who  took  upon  himself 
the  name  of  Kerim,  withdrew,  and  ordered  the  slaves  who  at- 
tended him  to  dress  the  fish ; which  being  done,  he  served 
them  up  himself,  and  sat  down  with  the  company.  They  all 
commended  the  fish  ; and  Noureddin  being  no  less  drunk  than 
his  host,  took  out  his  purse  of  gold,  and  threw  it  at  the  sup- 
posed fisherman  as  a reward  ; nor  was  this  all,  for  when  Selima 
had  sung  another  song,  with  which  Kerim  expressed  himself 
highly  delighted,  Noureddin  told  him  he  was  an  honest  fellow, 
arid  as  he  liked  the  slave,  she  was  at  his  service  ; he  would 
make  him  a present  of  her.  Having  said  this,  he  arose  and 
was  about  to  take  up  his  robe  and  depart. 

Selima  in  vain  entreated  her  unworthy  master  to  recall  his 
rash  gift.  He  reproached  her  as  the  cause  of  all  his  misfor- 
tunes. The  caliph  was  astonished  at  what  had  passed  ; and 
while  the  fair  Persian  retired  to  a sofa  to  vent  her  grief,  he  re- 
quested Noureddin  to  relate  his  story. 


ARAB/A.V  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


203 


The  young  man  complied  ; and  the  caliph  found  from  his 
narrative,  that  though  his  new  acquaintance  had  been  led  aside 
by  youthful  iildiscretion,  which  deserved  correction,  yet  King 
Zinchi,  and  bis  vizier  Saouy  had  been  guilty  of  oppression  and 
injustice.  He  considered  that  the  folly  of  Noureddin  had 
brought  a severe  distress  upon  him  ; while  the  king  of  Balsora, 
influenced  by  his  minister,  had  abused  the  authority  delegated 
from  him  with  impunity. 

He  determined,  therefore,  to  punish  their  injustice  by  the 
very  man  who  had  been  the  victim  of  it.  He  wrote  an  order 
to  Zinchi  to  abdicate  his  throne,  and  place  Noureddin  on  it. 
He  also  added  a set  form  of  words  in  the  margin  of  the  letter, 
which  denoted  his  insisting  on  punctual  and  immediate  obedi- 
ence. This  he  put  into  Noureddin’s  hands,  and  advised  him 
to  return  with  it  to  Balsora.  I am  not  unknown  to  Zinchi,’^ 
said  he  ; we  were  school-fellows  : though  this  letter  is  given 
you  by  a person  so  obscure,  yet,  depend  upon  it,  when  the 
king  receives  it,  he  will  do  you  justice.” 

An  air  of  authority,  which  broke  forth  while  the  caliph  said 
this,  had  great  influence  with  Noureddin  ; and  as  his  situation 
was  desperate,  he  ventured  on  a desperate  undertaking  ; he  rose 
up,  and  without  taking  leave  of  Selima,  who  was  overwhelmed 
with  grief,  he  went  on  board  a vessel,  and  sailed  for  Balsora. 

A ridiculous  scene  now  took  place  between  the  drunken 
Ibrahim  and  the  supposed  fisherman.  You  have  been  well 
paid  for  your  paltry  fish  by  that  prodigal,”  said  Ibrahim  ; but 
I shall  not  suffer  you  to  keep  all  he  has  given  you.  I am  con- 
tent to  divide  the  money  with  you  ; but  the  beautiful  slave  I 
will  keep  entirely  to  myself.”  The  caliph  refused  him  in  a 
laughing  answer,  which  so  enraged  Ibrahim,  that  he  withdrew 
in  haste  to  fetch  a cane  to  chastise  the  insolent  Kerim. 

As  soon  as  Ibrahim  had  left  the  hall,  the  caliph  gave  a sig- 
nal for  his  attendants  to  enter.  They  instantly  took  away  the 
fisherman’s  garb,  and  dressed  him  in  the  royal  robes  ; and 
when  Ibrahim  returned,  staggering  and  muttering  curses  and 
threatenings  against  the  unreasonable  fisherman,  he  was 
amazed  to  find  in  his  room  the  caliph,  attended  by  his  principal 
ofiicers. 

The  scheik  stood  aghast  at  a sight  so  unwelcome  and  so 
unexpected.  Recollecting  himself,  he  in  the  most  humble 
manner  besought  his  master’s  pardon.  The  caliph,  after  giving 
him  a good-humored  reprimand,  forgave  him,  and  turning  to 
Selima,  who  had  seen  these  transactions  in  silent  astonish- 
ment, he  exhorted  her  to  take  comfort,  as  Noureddin  would 


304 


ARABIA^V  NIGHTB  EIGTERTA /NMEMTS. 


soon  be  in  a situation  to  receive  her  again  in  splendor.  In  the 
mean  time  he  promised  to  place  her  under  the  protection  of  his 
favorite  lady,  Zobeide. 

Noureddin  had  time  enough  during  his  voyage  to  reflect  on 
the  danger  he  exposed  himself  to  by  returning  to  Balsora ; but 
his  situation  was  so  deplorable  that  he  became  almost  indifferent 
to  the  consequence.  On  his  landing,  without  consulting  aiu/ 
friend,  he  went  directly  to  the  palace,  and  presented  the  letter 
to  Zinchi,  at  the  time  of  public  audience.  The  king’s  color 
changed  on  reading  it ; he  was  about  to  obey  the  caliph’s  order, 
when  he  thought  of  showing  it  to  his  vizier. 

Saouy  read  it  in  a transport  of  envy,  rage,  and  despair ; he 
took  care,  however,  to  conceal  these  passions.  An  artful  ex- 
pedient occurred  to  him  to  postpone  at  least  Noureddin’s  ele- 
vation. He  pretended  to  turn  round  for  better  light,  when  he 
tore  off  the  set  form  in  the  margin,  which  he  swallowed  ; then 
turning  to  tlie  king,  who  was  in  great  confusion,  he  talked  with 
him  in  a whisper  to  the  following  effect : that  the  set  form  being 
omitted,  it  was  plain  that  the  caliph  had  only  given  Noureddin 
that  letter  to  get  rid  of  him ; that  the  patent  had  not  been 
sent,  which  was  itself  sufficient  reason  to  suspend  obedience  to 
so  strange  an  order.  He  concluded  with  requesting  Zinchi  to 
commit  Noureddin  to  his  custody,  hinting  pretty  plainly  that 
he  should  not  long  be  in  the  king’s  way.  Zinchi  consented, 
and  Noureddin  was  seized,  loaded  with  chains,  and  conveyed 
to  the  house  of  his  inveterate  enemy,  where  he  was  treated  with 
the  utmost  rigor. 

Noureddin  remained  six  days  in  this  situation,  lamenting 
chiefly  his  own  indiscretion,  in  thus  putting  himself  in  the  hands 
of  his  enemies.  Saouy  did  not  pass  this  time  without  uneasi- 
ness; he  dre  i Jed  the  consequences  of  his  bold  measure,  in 
tearing  off  the  most  material  part  of  the  caliph’s  letter  Though 
he  was  impatient  to  deprive  Noureddin  of  life,  he  neither  durst 
do  so  privately,  as  he  at  first  intended,  nor  was  his  malice 
satisfied  with  less  than  the  shame  of  a public  execution,  which 
he  could  not  inflict  on  his  own  authority.  Thus  situated,  he 
had  recourse  again  to  artifice  ; and  taking  advantage  of  Zinchi 
being  intoxicated,  he  made  such  a representation  of  Noureddin, 
that  he  obtained  the  royal  order  to  put  him  to  death  the  next 
day,  in  the  midst  of  the  city. 

At  the  time  appointed,  Saouy  went  in  person  to  the  prison, 
accompanied  by  Iris  slaves,  with  the  executioner  and  his  at- 
tendants, and  ordcre  I the  prisoner  to  be  conducted  to  the  scat- 
fold, with  every  possible  circumstance  of  ignominy  Noureddin 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


205 


who  heard  these  barbarous  orders,  exclaimed,  “ Thou  triumphest 
now,  O mine  enemy ! but  remember  what  is  written  in  one  of 
our  books  : ‘You  judge  unjustly,  forgetting  that  in  a little  time 
you  shall  be  judged  yourself/  ’’  “ Fool,”  replied  Saouy,  “ not 

to  remember  what  another  of  our  books  sayeth,  ‘ What  signifies 
dying  the  day  after  the  death  of  one’s  enemy  ? 

Noureddin  was  led  through  all  the  principal  streets  of  the 
city,  to  a scaffold  erected  opposite  the  gate  of  the  palace.  The 
fatal  blow  was  about  to  be  struck  when  a most  tormenting 
thirst  oppressed  the  prisoner,  who  earnestly  desired  some  water, 
which  the  people  about  undertook  to  provide.  This  causing  a 
little  delay,  the  vizier  impatiently  called  out  to  the  executioner 
to  perform  his  office.  A tumult  immediately  ensued  among  the 
people,  who  still  retained  an  affection  for  Noureddin,  and  ever 
hated  Saouy.  The  king  himself  was  offended  at  the  cruelty  of 
his  minister,  and  gave  a signal  to  suspend  the  execution.  At 
this  instant,  a troop  of  horse  came  galloping  full  speed  towards 
the  palace,  at  the  head  of  whom  appeared  Giafar. 

The  instant  Saouy  saw  the  grand  vizier,  he  again  pressed 
the  execution  of  the  prisoner,  which  Zinchi  with  high  indigna- 
tion again  forbade.  When  the  caliph’s  minister  reached  the 
palace,  he  ordered  Noureddin  to  be  released,  seized  Saouy,  and 
the  same  hour  set  out  again  for  Bagdad,  taking  Zinchi  and 
Noureddin  with  him,  and  leading  Saouy  thither  prisoner,  bound 
with  the  same  chains  he  had  lately  imposed  on  the  unfortunate 
Noureddin. 

The  sudden  and  timely  appearance  of  Giafar  was  caused  by 
the  caliph  accidentally  hearing  Selima  accompanying  her  lute, 
in  the  apartments  of  Zobeide  \ this  brought  to  his  recollection 
that  he  had  not  sent  to  Balsora  the  patent  confirming  Noureddin 
king  in  the  room  of  Zinchi.  Giafar  was  immediately  dispatched 
with  it  in  all  haste,  and  arrived  just  in  time  to  prevent  the 
effect  of  Saouy’s  malice. 

On  his  return  to  Bagdad,  Giafar  introduced  them  to  <he 
caliph,  who,  having  examined  into  everything,  told  Noureddin 
he  was  at  liberty  to  revenge  his  sufferings,  by  depriving  his 
enemy  of  his  head.  The  young  man,  generous  in  this  instance, 
was  satisfied  with  having  Saouy  in  his  power ; he  even  entreated 
the  caliph  to  pardon  him,  Haroun  Alraschid  highly  com- 
mended his  manly  and  liberal  behavior,  but  added,  Though  it 
is  right  in  you  to  forgive  a private  injury,  it  would  ill  become 
me  to  pardon  such  an  abuse  of  authority.  Mercy  to  such  an 
offender  would  be  cruelty  to  my  people.”  Saying  this,  he 
ordered  Saouy  to  be  immediately  put  to  death. 


2o6 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


The  caliph  would  have  despatched  Noureddin  to  take  po 
session  of  the  throne  of  Balsora ; but  he  declared  that  tiic 
many  calamities  he  had  met  with  in  that  city,  had  made  it  hate- 
ful to  him  : the  caliph,  therefore,  after  a severe  reprimand,  per- 
mitted Zinchi  to  reassume  his  government ; and  restoring  Selima 
to  N-oureddin,  he  gave  him  a handsome  appointment  in  his 
palace. 

THE  STORY  OF  BEDER,  PRINCE  OF  PERSIA,  AND  GIAUHARA, 
PRINCESS  OF  SAMANDAL. 

Some  years  ago,  Persia  was  governed  by  an  accomplished 
prince  of  the  name  of  Mirza.  His  great  reputation  kept  his 
neighbors  in  awe ; his  subjects  were  happy  under  his  govern- 
ment j he  kept  up  the  dignity  of  a sovereign  of  Persia  with 
great  splendor ; his  harem  was  filled  with  beauties  from  all  parts 
of  the  world  ; but  though  he  was  exceedingly  amorous,  he  had 
never  attached  himself  to  any  particular  object.  He  felt  the 
necessity  of  something  more  than  mere  personal  beauty  to 
command  his  heart. 

One  day  a merchant,  who  dealt  in  beautiful  slaves,  arrived 
at  Mirza’s  court,  and  acquainted  him  that  he  had  met  with  a 
slave  more  lovely  than  any  he  had  ever  seen.  The  king  desired 
to  see  her,  and  was  so  charmed  with  her,  that  he  paid  the  mer- 
chant the  full  price  he  demanded,  and  gave  him  a noble  present 
besides. 

The  king  ordered  the  fair  slave  to  be  lodged  in  the  most 
elegant  apartments  of  the  harem,  and  directed  the  attendants 
to  behave  to  her  with  the  most  profound  respect.  When  she 
had  reposed  a few  days,  and  had  recovered  from  the  fatigue  of 
her  journey,  her  charms  were  so  much  improved,  that  Mirza  was 
quite  enamored  with  her. 

The  fair  slave  endured  rather  than  received  the  caresses  Ot 
hei*  royal  master.  She  submitted  herself  to  his  disposal  in 
silence.  The  most  affectionate  endearments  produced  no  alter- 
ation in  her  behavior.  She  continued  to  cast  her  eyes  on  the 
ground  j nor  could  any  entreaties  prevail  with  her  to  utter  a 
single  word.  Mirza,  notwithstanding,  became  so  fond  of  her, 
that  he  dismissed  all  his  other  women,  and  attached  himself 
entirely  to  her. 

A year  passed,  during  which  the  fair  slave  observed  the 
same  obstinate  silence  ; when  one  day,  as  the  king  was  pouring 
forth  vows  of  the  most  unalterable  affection,  he  perceived  that 
she  listened  to  him  in  a different  manner  from  what  she  had 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


207 


been  used  to  do.  She  held  up  her  head,  she  smiled,  and  cast 
her  eyes  on  the  king  with  looks  of  love.  Mirza  perceived  the 
alteration  with  as  much  surprise  as  delight;  he  doubted  not 
but  she  was  going  to  speak:  he  urged  her,  and  she  fulfilled 
his  expectations  to  this  purpose: 

Since  I have  resolved  to  break  silence,  I have  much  to 
say  to  your  majesty;  but  let  me,  in  the  first  place,  thank  you 
for  all  the  favors  and  honors  you  have  conferred  upon  me. 
Let  me  inform  you  also  that  I am  with  child.  This  induced 
me  to  break  a silence  I had  intended  should  have  been  per- 
petual, and  to  love  and  respect  you  as  I ought.’' 

Mirza  was  transported  to  hear  she  was  likely  to  make 
him  a father,  a blessing  he  had  despaired  of  as  none  of  his 
mistresses  had  brought  him  an  heir.  In  the  extravagance 
of  his  joy,  he  caused  the  news  to  be  instantly  proclaimed  to 
his  capital;  he  ordered  the  poor  to  be  relieved,  the  prisoners 
set  at  liberty,  and  every  possible  demonstration  of  joy  to 
take  place  througout  his  dominions.  Having  given  these 
directions,  he  turned  to  the  fair  slave,  and  tenderly  inquired 
into  the  cause  of  her  long  silence. 

“To  account  for  my  conduct,”  said  she,  “let  me  inform 
you,  sir,  that  though  I was  reduced  so  low  as  to  be  sold  to  you 
for  a slave,  I am  of  royal  blood.  I have  never  ceased  to  re- 
member my  origin,  and  took  care  to  do  nothing  which  should 
disgrace  that  birth  by  giving  anything  like  a consent  to  what 
befell  me  in  the  state  to  which  my  misfortunes  had  reduced 
me.  Your  tender  attention  and  respect  shook  this  resolution, 
and  my  being  with  child  by  you  has  entirely  overturned  it. 

“ My  name  is  Gulnare,  of  the  sea.  My  father  was  one  of 
the  most  potent  princes  of  the  ocean.  At  his  death  he  left  his 
kingdom  in  profound  peace  to  my  brother  Saleh;  and  I lived 
happily  in  his  court,  under  the  protection  of  my  royal  mother, 
who  was  daughter  of  another  puissant  monarch  of  the  sea. 

“An  ambitious  neighbor,  taking  advantage  ot  my  brother’s 
youth  and  of  our  too  great  security,  invaded  his  territory 
with  a mighty  army,  and  advanced  so  rapidly  to  his  capital 
that  we  could  scarce  save  ourselves  from  falling  into  his 
hands.  We  escaped  to  an  inaccessible  fortress,  with  a few 
trusty  adherents,  and  continued  there  a long  time,  while  my 
brother  laid  plans  to  drive  out  the  usurper. 

“ Saleh  was  very  fond  of  me;  and  as  the  affair  he  was  about 
to  undertake  was  exceedingly  hazardous,  he  wished  to  see  me 
married  before  he  embarked  in  it.  ‘ In  the  present  miserable 
condition  of  our  affairs/  said  he,T  see  no  probability  of  match- 


2o8  4RABIAN’  nights^  ENTER TA/jVME NTS. 

ing  you  to  any  of  the  princes  of  the  sea ; I would  therefore 
wish  you  to  marry  one  of  the  earth.  Your  beauty  surpasses 
anything  they  ever  saw,  and  a very  small  part  of  the  little  wealth 
we  have  left  would  be  an  inconceivable  treasure  to  the  greatest 
of  them.’ 

Instead  of  weighing  this  advice  of  my  brother  as  it  de- 
served, I reproached  him  with  meanness  of  spirit,  in  making 
me  so  degrading  a proposal.  My  mother  adopted  his  idea,  I 
gave  way  to  my  wounded  pride,  and  with  an  imprudence  and 
want  of  duty  which  3^outh  could  scarcely  excuse,  I threw  myself 
out  of  the  protection  of  these  my  natural  and  best  friends.  As 
soon  as  they  had  left  me,  I gave  a spring  from  the  bottom  of 
the  sea  to  tiie  island  of  the  moon.  It  would  be  tedious  if  I was 
to  relate  to  your  majesty  the  many  distressing  consequences  of 
this  rash  step.  One  disaster  followed  another,  the  usual  and 
just  punishment  of  indiscretion  and  disobedience,  till  I be- 
came at  length  a slave,  and  fell  into  your  hands.” 

When  Gulnare  had  finished  her  narration,  the  king  of  Per- 
sia embraced  her  with  great  tenderness  ‘‘Your  story,  my 
charming  princess,”  said  he,  “ has  greatly  excited  ray  curiosity, 
which  I would  beg  of  you  to  gratify,  if  I was  not  resolved  first 
to  put  you  in  a situation  more  worthy  of  you.”  Mirza  sent 
immediately  for  the  proper  officers,  and  publicly  espoused  the 
beautiful  Gulnare,  causing  her  to  be*' proclaimed  queen  of  Persia, 
in  the  most  solemn  manner  all  over  the  kingdom. 

These  ceremonies  over,  the  king  required  of  his  lovely  bride 
a more  particular  account  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  sea.  “ I 
have  often  heard,”  said  he,  “ that  the  sea  was  peopled,  but  I 
ever  considered  it  as  a fable,  not  believing  it  was  possible  for 
human  beings  to  walk  up  and  down,  and  live  entirely  in  the 
water.” 

“ Sir,”  replied  the  queen,  “ we  can  walk  at  the  bottom  of 
the  sea  with  as  much  ease  as  you  do  on  land,  and  breathe  in 
the  water  as  you  do  in  the  air,  yet  it  never  wets  our  clothes. 
Our  faculties  in  general  are  more  perfect  than  yours.  Our  vul- 
gar language  is  the  same  that  was  engraven  upon  the  seal  of 
Solomon,  the  son  of  David. 

“ The  water  does  not  obstruct  the  opening  and  shutting  of 
)ur  eyes.  Our  sight  is  sharp  and  piercing,  and  can  discern  any 
)bject  in  the  deepest  sea  as  distinctly  as  upon  land.  We  have 
•he  same  succession  of  times  and  seasons  as  you  have,  and  en- 
joy the  light  of  the  same  planets  in  as  great  a perfection.  As 
the  se^  is  much  larger  than  the  earth,  so  we  have  many  more 
kingdoms.  ^ have  great  cities,  well  peopled  ; and 


ARABIAN  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINWENTS. 


209 

there  are  the  same  varieties  of  manners  and  customs  among 
us,  as  there  are  among  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

‘‘  The  palaces  of  our  kings  and  great  men  are  magnificent 
beyond  any  idea  you  can  form.  We  have  gold,  as  you  have  ; 
but  the  diamonds  and  pearls  which  are  in  most  estimation  with 
you,  would  scarcely  be  worn  by  the  lowest  order  of  our  people. 
We  have  an  incredible  agility  in  transporting  ourselves  where 
we  please,  in  an  instant ; so  that  we  have  no  occasion  for  car- 
riages or  horses,  yet  we  use  both  for  splendor  on  public  oc- 
casions. 

Among  other  things  in  which  we  differ  greatly  from  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth,  is,  the  method  of  delivery  and  manag- 
ing the  women  of  the  sea  in  their  lying-in.  On  this  account  it 
will  be  necessary  to  send  for  my  mother  and  my  cousins  to  as- 
sist at  my  labor.  I wish  also  to  be  reconciled  to  my  brother. 
I beseech  your  majesty  will  give  me  leave  to  send  for  them  ; 
they  will  be  glad  to  see  me,  now  I am  the  consort  of  so  great 
a prince,  and  proud  to  pay  their  respects  to  your  majesty.’’ 

The  king  started  at  this  proposal.  I should  rejoice,”  re- 
plied he,  ‘‘  to  receive  your  relations  ; but  how  can  they  know 
where  you  are,  unless  you  leave  me  to  go  in  search  of  them  ? 
That  I cannot  bear  to  think  of.” — “ Sir,”  replied  Gulnare,  with 
a smile,  if  I have  your  permission  to  send  for  them,  I need 
not  stir  from  this  room.  They  will  be  here  in  a very  short 
time.” 

Mirza  readily  consented ; the  queen  requested  him  to  retire 
to  an  adjoining  closet,  from  whence  he  could  see  her  friends 
without  being  seen  by  them,  till  she  chose  to  introduce  him. 
The  royal  palace  stood  close  to  the  sea;  the  queen  opened  the 
windows  nearest  to  it,  and,  having  called  for  a pan  of  fire,  she 
threw  in  some  powder,  and  pronounced  certain  words  over  it. 

Presently  the  sea  appeared  disturbed,  and  in  a short  time 
opened,  when  a tall,  handsome  young  man,  with  whiskers  of  a 
sea-green  color,  appeared  on  the  surface ; a little  behind  him 
was  one  lady,  advanced  in  years,  attended  by  five  beautiful 
young  ones.  The  queen  approaching  the  windows  of  the  apart- 
ment, was  soon  perceived  by  her  relations,  who  came  forward, 
not  walking,  but  carried,  as  it  were,  on  the  surface  of  the  waves. 
When  they  came  near  the  palace,  they  nimbly  leaped  into  it 
The  whole  company  embraced  Gulnare,  and  tenderly  re- 
proached her  with  having  left  them  so  abruptly,  and  kept  herself 
concealed  from  them  so  long.  King  Saleh  also  told  her  that 
he  had  driven  out  the  usurper,  and  seized  his  kingdom,  as  well 
as  recovered  his  own. 

la. 


210 


ARABIAAT  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


Gulnare  received  them  with  great  respect,  and  in  a few 
words,  told  them  all  that  had  befallen  her.  ‘‘I  could  not,’’ 
added  she,  “ for  very  shame  apply  to  you  while  I was  beset 
with  difficulties,  which  arose  entirely  from  my  own  imprudence. 
But  I am  now  become  the  wife  of  the  greatest  monarch  of  the 
earth,  who,  in  every  instance,  treats  me  with  the  utmost  regard 
and  attention.” 

A sumptuous  collation  was  brought  in,  which  the  queen  re- 
quested her  relations  to  partake  of.  As  they  were  preparing 
to  do  so,  the  same  thought  struck  them  all,  that  they  had  en- 
tered the  palace  of  a mighty  prince,  and  were  about  to  sit  down 
to  his  table  without  having  been  introduced  to  him.  A sense 
of  this  incivility  caused  them  to  blush  ; their  eyes  sparkled,  and 
they  breathed  flames  of  fire  at  their  mouth  and  nostrils. 

Gulnare  doubted  not  but  this  sight  would  alarm  her  hus- 
band ; and  as  she  found  her  relations  were  desirous  of  seeing 
him,  she  withdrew  to  the  closet  where  he  was,  and  offered  to 
introduce  them  to  him.  Mirza  expressed  himself  much  satis- 
fied at  their  arrival,  but  frankly  owned  he  durst  not  trust  him- 
self near  people  who  breathed  forth  fire  so  terribly.  Gulnare, 
laughing,  told  him  that  those  flames  would  cease  when  they 
saw  him ; and  were  only  a token  of  their  unwillingness  to  sit 
down  to  table  without  him. 

When  the  queen  had  presented  her  relations  to  the  king  of 
Persia,  and  mutual  compliments  had  passed,  his  apprehensions 
were  done  away,  and  he  soon  became  much  attached  to  his  il- 
lustrious guests.  He  treated  them  many  days  together  with 
the  greatest  magnificence.  In  the  midst  of  these  hours  of  fes- 
tivity, their  joy  was  increased  by  the  queen  being  happily  de- 
livered of  a prince  so  beautiful,  that  they  agreed,  with  one 
voice,  to’  call  him  Beder,  which,  in  the  Arabian  language,  signi- 
fies the  full  moon. 

One  day,  soon  after  the  birth  of  the  prince,  when  Mirza  and 
Saleh  were  visiting  the  queen,  the  latter  took  Beder  from  his 
nurse,  and,  after  caressing  him  and  dancing  him  about  the 
room,  on  a sudden  he  leaped  out  of  the  window  into  the  sea, 
with  the  child  in  his  arms,  and  disappeared. 

The  king  of  Persia  was  exceedingly  alarmed  when  he  saw 
his  beloved  son,  the  child  of  his  wishes,  thus  snatched  from 
him.  He  concluded  the  infant  must  be  drowned,  and  was  giv- 
ing way  to  despair,  when  Saleh  returned  with  Beder  in  his 
arms,  whom  he  restored  unhurt  to  his  nurse.  He  then  ex- 
plained to  Mirza  the  reason  of  his  conduct.  “ Children,” 
said  he,  “ born  of  parents  who  are  not  both  inhabitants  of  the 


AJiAS/AJ\r  JV/G//TS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


2 1 1 


sea,  have  only  a few  moments  occurring  once  during  their 
early  infancy,  in  which  the  privilege  of  descending  into  the 
regions  of  the  water  can  be  imparted  to  them.  While  I was 
playing  with  my  nephew,  I perceived  those  precious  moments 
(soon  to  pass  away)  were  arrived  3 without  losing  them  to  ex- 
plain myself  to  you,  I pronounced  the  mysterious  words  which 
were  engraven  on  the  seal  of  the  great  Solomon,  the  son  of 
David,  and,  taking  the  prince  with  me  into  the  sea,  I completed 
the  necessary  rites.  Beder  will  now  be  able,  when  he  pleases, 
to  plunge  into  the  sea,  and  traverse  the  vast  empires  it  con- 
tains at  its  bottom. 

I have  also,”  continued  he,  “brought  your  majesty  a 
small  present,  which  I request  you  to  accept.”  He  then  made 
a signal,  when  two  men  rose  out  of  the  sea,  bearing  an  im- 
mense coffer,  which  contained  three  hundred  diamonds  as  large 
as  pigeon’s-eggs,  as  many  rubies,  with  emeralds,  and  pearls  of 
the  grea'.est  value ; so  that  the  king  of  Persia  was  absolutely 
astonished  at  a display  of  riches  which  exceeded  everything  he 
had  any  notion  of. 

King  Saleh  and  the  ladies  of  the  sea  continued  with  Mirza 
and  Gulnare  as  long  as  in  prudence  they  could.  At  length 
they  took  leave,  and  returned  to  their  own  territories.  An 
affectionate  intercourse  continued  between  them  during  their 
lives,  and  they  paid  frequent  visits  to  the  court  of  Persia. 

As  Beder  grew  up,  he  appeared  to  be  a prince  of  great 
hopes.  His  temper  was  benevolent ; his  talents  brilliant ; and 
they  were  early  called  into  exercise.  While  he  was  yet  a youth, 
disease  bore  heavily  on  Mirza,  and  he  became  desirous  to  with- 
draw himself  from  the  fatigues  of  royalty.  He  resigned,  there- 
fore, his  crown  to  his  son  ; and  though  he  survived  that  event 
but  a short  time,  yet  he  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  the  prince 
conduct  himself  with  great  ability,  and  to  be  treated  by  him 
with  the  most  perfect  respect  and  duty. 

The  loss  of  his  Dther  was  well  supplied  to  the  young  king 
by  the  sagacious  counrels  of  Gulnare  and  King  Saleh.  That 
prince  was  so  attached  to  his  nephew,  that  he  passed  with  him 
all  the  time  he  could  spare  from  the  care  of  his  own  dominions. 
One  day  after  dinner,  Saleh,  in  conversation  with  his  sister 
Gulnare,  fell  insensibly  on  the  praises  of  his  nephew.  Beder, 
among  his  other  virtues,  had  great  modesty  3 and  not  being 
willing  either  to  interrupt  his  uncle,  or  to  sit  and  hear  his  own 
applause,  he  rose  from  the  table,  and  withdrew  to  a sofa,  where 
he  prelei'ded  to  fall  asleep. 

Saleh  continued  the  conversation,  and  told  the  queen  that 


2 12 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


there  was  a princess  of  the  sea,  who  far  surpassed  all  others  in 
beauty,  whom  he  earnestly  wished  to  be  the  wife  of  Beder,  but 
that  very  considerable  difficulties  lay  in  the  way  of  obtaining 
her  for  him. 

Gulnare  arose  in  haste  to  look  at  Beder,  who,  being  much 
interested  in  the  conversation,  counterfeited  the  most  profound 
sleep.  The  queen,  thinking  him  really  so,  returned  to  her  seat, 
and  Saleh  proceeded  to  tell  her  that  it  was  Giauhara,  daughter 
of  the  king  of  Samandal,  whom  he  thought  of  for  his  nephew. 
“ She  is,’’  continued  he,  “ the  most  beautiful  and  accom- 
plished princess  that  ever  was  seen  on  the  earth  or  in  the 
waters.  But  as  her  father  is  insupportably  proud,  looking  upon 
all  others  as  his  inferiors,  it  is  not  likely  he  will  readily  agree 
to  the  alliance.” 

Beder  heard  this  discourse  too  attentively  for  his  peace. 
He  became  enamored  of  the  princess  Giauhara,  of  whose 
beauty  he  conceived  the  highest  opinion  ; and  fearing  that  the 
king  of  Samandal  should  .reject  him,  it  entirely  destroyed  his 
rest ; he  became  absent,  thoughtful,  and  sad.  While  Saleh 
contemplated  this  change  in  his  beloved  nephew  with  great 
anxiety,  an  accident  revealed  to  him  the  cause  of  it.  Walking 
one  evening  in  the  gardens  of  the  palace,  he  overheard  Beder 
express  his  passion  for  the  unknown  Giauhara  in  terms  the 
most  vehement. 

Saleh  was  excessively  grieved  at  this  event.  He  discovered 
himself  immediately  to  the  young  king  of  Persia,  and  repre- 
sented to  him  in  the  strongest  terms  the  folly  of  devoting  his 
heart  to  a lady  whose  beauty  he  knew  only  by  report.  But 
Beder,-finding  his  secret  thus  unexpectedly  discovered  by  his 
uncle,  avowed  his  attachment,  and  pleaded  the  necessity  of  his 
obtaining  Giauhara  to  preserve  his  life,  in  such  pathetic  terms 
as  entirely  subdued  Saleh.  Beder,  perceiving  the  impression 
he  had  made,  pressed  his  uncle  to  take  him  immediately  to  his 
kingdom,  (without  asking  Gulnare’s  consent,  of  which  they  had 
no  hope,)  and  set  on  foot  a treaty  with  the  king  of  Samandal. 
Saleh  agreed,  and  the  sea  passing  at  the  bottom  of  the  gar- 
dens, they  both  plunged  into  it,  and  arrived,  in  a very  short 
time,  at  tlie  palace  of  the  sea-king. 

Saleh  prepared  a most  sumptuous  present,  and  set  off  as 
soon  as  possible,  with  a great  retinue,  for  the  court  of  Saman- 
dal. On  his  arrival,  the  king  treated  him  with  much  respect, 
and  appointed  a public  audience  to  receiv^e  him  in  the  presence 
of  the  whole  court  the  next  day.  Accordingly  King  Saleh  was 
introduced  in  great  state,  and  placed  on  the  king  of  Samandal’s 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


213 


left  hand  ; where,  knowing  the  character  of  the  prince  lie  was 
addressing,  he  paid  his  compliments  to  his  royal  host  in  the 
most  submissive  and  respectful  manner;  and  concluded  by 
directing  his  attendants  to  lay  the  present  they  bore  at  the 
king  of  Samandaks  feet. 

If  the  vanity  of  that  prince  was  delighted  by  the  abject 
behavior  of  his  brother  king,  his  avarice  was  no  less  gratified 
by  his  present,  which  was  of  immense  value.  He  turned,  there- 
fore, towards  his  guest,  and  embracing  him,  requested  to  know 
in  what  manner  he  could  serve  him. 

King  Saleh,  pleased  with  his  gracious  reception,  declared 
that  the  purport  of  his  visit  was  to  solicit  an  alliance  by  mar- 
riage between  the  two  royal  families.  He  had  scarce  pro- 
ceeded thus  far,  when  the  king  of  Samandal  interrupted  him 
by  a loud  laugh ; after  which  he  asked  him,  with  much  con- 
tempt, how  long  he  had  entertained  such  a chimera,  or  how  he 
could  conceive  the  absurd  thought  of  aspiring  to  so  great  and 
accomplished  a princess. 

King  Saleh  had  submitted  to  humor  the  disposition  of  the 
king  of  Samandal,  because  he  feared  that  haughty  prince 
would  be  with  difficulty  prevailed  on  to  give  his  daughter  to 
Beder ; who,  being  only  a king  of  the  earth,  was  greatly  hei 
inferior ; but  when  he  found  himself  treated  in  so  contemptu- 
ous a manner,  he  was  highly  offended,  and  replied  with  great 
spirit,  “You  are  mistaken,  sir,  if  you  suppose  I meant  to  ask 
your  daughter  for  myself ; nor  should  I have  considered  such 
a request  as  at  all  aspiring,  being  in  every  respect  your  equal. 
It  is  for  my  nephew,  the  king  of  Persia,  that  I was  about  to 
solicit,  a prince  whose  merit  renders  him  a fit  husband  for  the 
lovely  Giauhara,  and  who,  though  not  a prince  of  the  sea,  is 
the  most  potent  of  the  kings  of  the  earth.’’ 

The  rage  of  the  king  of  Samandal  at  this  discourse,  de- 
prived him,  for  some  time,  of  all  utterance.  At  length  he 
broke  out  in  outrageous  and  injurious  expressions,  unworthy 
of  a king ; not  content  with  this,  he  forgot  what  was  due  to 
the  dignity  of  Saleh,  and  to  the  rights  of  hospitality.  He 
called  out  to  his  guards  to  seize  his  guest,  and  cut  off  his  head. 

The  audience-chamber  became  a scene  of  the  greatest  con- 
fusion. Saleh  presently  escaped  out  of  the  palace,  at  the  gate 
of  which  he  found  a thousand  men  of  his  relations  and  friends, 
well  armed.  The  queen,  his  mother,  considering  how  few  at- 
tendants he  had,  and  the  reception  he  would  probably  meet 
with  from  the  king  of  Samandal,  had  sent  this  little  troop  after 
him  for  his  protection. 


214 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


Saleh  put  himself  at  the  head  of  his  friends,  and,  with  great 
presence  of  mind,  secured  the  avenues  of  the  palace  ; and  en- 
tering again  the  audience-chamber,  he  seized  the  person  of  the 
king  of  Samandal.  His  next  care  was  to  have  secured  the 
princess ; but  on  the  first  alarm,  she,  together  with  her  attend- 
ants, had  sprung  to  the  surface  of  the  sea,  and  escaped  to  a 
desert  island. 

Meantime,  some  of  Saleh’s  attendants,  who  fled  at  the  first 
onset,  arrived  at  that  king’s  capital,  and  spread  a general  con- 
sternation, by  relating  the  danger  they  left  him  in.  All  the 
royal  family  were  in  the  deepest  affliction  ; but  Beder,  who  con- 
sidered himself  as  the  cause  of  his  uncle’s  misfortune,  was  over- 
whelmed with  sorrow  and  confusion.  He  dreaded  the  re- 
proaches of  his  grandmother  and  of  the  other  princesses  ; he 
hastily,  therefore,  darted  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  and  not 
knowing  how  to  find  the  way  to  Persia,  he  arrived  by  chance  at 
the  same  island  where  the  princess  Giauhara  had  taken  refuge. 

The  prince,  much  disturbed  in  mind,  seated  himself  under 
a grove  of  trees.  While  he  was  endeavoring  to  compose  him- 
self, he  overheard  the  sound  of  voices  ; and  drawing  near  the 
place  they  proceeded  from,  he  saw  a lady  of  the  most  exquisite 
beauty  conversing  with  some  attendants.  Beder  was  quite 
charmed  with  her.  He  listened  to  their  conversation,  and,  to 
his  astonishment,  he  soon  found  that  the  lady  was  the  princess 
to  whose  beauty  he  had  devoted  his  heart,  from  the  account  he 
had  heard  of  it.  He  learnt  also  the  success  of  his  uncle  Saleh, 
and  the  captivity  of  the  king  of  Samandal — whose  misfortune 
the  charming  princess  dutifully  deplored,  though  she  expressed 
herself  unacquainted  with  the  cause  of  it. 

Beder  was  so  rejoiced  at  meeting  with  his  beloved  Giauhara, 
that  he  rushed  forward  and  threw  himself  at  her  feet ; and  as 
soon  as  she  had  recovered  her  surprise,  he  related  how  he  had 
become  enamored  with  her,  who  he  was,  and  concluded  by 
offering  to  attend  her  to  her  father’s  court,  where  he  had  no 
doubt  of  being  able  to  re-establish  friendship  between  the  two 
sea-kings. 

The  princess  was  pleased  with  the  person  and  address  of 
Beder  ; and  when  she  heard  him  relate  how  much  he  had  be- 
come attached  to  her  before  he  had  seen  her,  she  blushed,  and 
listened  to  him  with  great  complacency.  But  when  she  found 
he  was  the  nephew  of  king  Saleh,  and  the  cause  of  the  insult 
her  father  had  received,  and  of  her  own  fright  and  grief,  she 
soon  entertained  very  different  sentiments  respecting  him.  She 
gave  way  to  the  dictates  of  fury  and  revenge,  which  yet  she  hai 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


215 

art  enough  to  conceal.  She  suffered  such  expressions  of  favor 
towards  him  to  escape  her,  seemingly  in  her  confusion,  that  the 
fond/;rince  was  enraptured;  and  by  reaching  forth  his  hand  to 
seize  diat  of  the  princess,  he  put  himself  in  her  power.  She 
pushed  him  back,  and  spit  at  him,  saying,  Wretch,  quit  the 
form  of  a man,  and  take  that  of  a white  bird  with  a red  bill  and 
feet.”  The  spell  took  place  directly ; and  the  unfortunate 
Beder  became  a bird  of  that  description.  ‘‘  Carry  him  now,”  said 
the  revengeful  Giauhara  to  one  of  her  attendants,  “ to  yonder 
solitary  rock,  and  let  him  remain  there,  without  food  or  water, 
till  he  perishes.” 

The  attendant  to  whom  the  fate  of  Beder  was  committed, 
took  compassion  on  him.  “ How  cruel  it  is,”  thought  she,  “ to 
destroy  so  accomplished  a prince  } my  mistress  will  certainly 
one  day  repent  it.”  Without  venturing  to  expostulate  with 
Giauhara,  she  took  charge  of  the  bird  ; but  instead  of  carrying 
him  to  the  barren  rock,  she  conveyed  him  to  a neighboring 
island,  well  planted  and  watered,  where  he  would  have  no  dififi- 
cxilty  to  find  support. 

While  these  matters  were  transacting,  Saleh,  having  secured 
the  person  of  the  king  of  Samandal,  though  he  treated  him  with 
respect,  determined  to  keep  him  prisoner,  and  to  administer 
the  government  of  his  kingdom  till  Giauhara  should  return. 
This  he  found  no  difficulty  in  accomplishing.  He  appointed 
trusty  officers  for  the  several  departments,  and  then  returned  to 
his  own  kingdom,  where  he  found  all  the  princesses  of  his 
iumily  in  great  grief  for  the  absence  of  king  Beder.  But  as  the 
inhabitants  of  the  sea  are  too  wise  to  indulge  long  in  a fruitless 
sorrow,  those  august  persons  soon  comforted  each  other,  and 
waited  for  his  return  with  hope  and  patience. 

The  king  of  Persia  still  continued  under  the  force  of  en- 
chantment,  and  gathered,  in  the  island  he  was  placed,  that 
subsistence  which  suited  the  form  he  bore.  It  happened  that 
a peasant,  who  was  skilled  in  taking  birds,  saw  him  ; and  being 
much  pleased  with  his  beauty,  conceived  to  ensnare  him.  He 
cs’.rried  him  to  a neighboring  city,  where  he  was  offered  a large 
sum  for  him  by  a luxurious  citizen,  who  wished  to  gratify  his 
appetite  with  so  tempting  a morsel.  The  peasant  refused  his 
offer,  not  doubting  but  the  king  of  that  country  would  be  glad 
to  have  so  rare  and  beautiful  a bird.  Nor  was  he  mistaken. 
The  king  paid  him  very  bountifully,  and  immediately  sent  for 
the  queen,  to  present  her  with  his  purchase. 

When  the  queen  entered  the  room  where  the  bird  was,  she 
let  fall  her  veil,  and  told  the  king  that  it  was  a prince  of  illus- 


2i6 


A RAB/AAT  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAIATMENTS. 


trious  descent  he  had  purchased  under  that  form.  She  then,  at 
her  husband’s  request,  took  some  water  in  a cup,  and,  by  mut- 
tering  some  words  over  it,  caused  it  to  boil.  This  she  sprin- 
kled on  the  bird,  saying,  By  virtue  of  the  holy  and  mysterious 
words  I have  pronounced,  resume  the  form  in  which  thou  wast 
created.”  Immediately  the  bird  vanished,  and  a handsome 
young  man  paid  the  warmest  thanks  to  his  royal  benefactors. 

The  king,  having  keard  Beder’s  story,  embraced  and  con- 
gratulated him,  offering  him  every  service  in  his  power.  “ As 
you  are  not  at  so  great  a distance  from  your  own  kingdom,”  said 
he  to  the  king  of  Persia,  your  power  of  conveying  yoursel) 
through  the  sea  is  at  present  of  very  little  service  to  you,  foi 
how  will  you  find  your  way  through  it  ? You  had  better,  there- 
fore, embark  in  some  of  the  vessels  which  sail  hence  to  some 
country  nearer  your  own.” 

Beder  followed  this  advice  j but  when  the  ship  had  nearly 
completed  her  voyage,  a violent  storm  drove  her  out  of  her 
course  ; and  as  she  approached  the  shore  of  an  unknown  land, 
she  struck  against  a hidden  rock,  and  beat  to  pieces.  The  crew 
all  perished ; but  the  king  of  Persia  threw  himself  into  the  sea, 
and  reached  the  shore  without  difficulty.  As  he  approached 
the  city,  he  was  met  by  a great  number  of  animals, — horses, 
< camels,  mules,  asses,  and  other  beasts, — who  crowded  together 
before  him,  and  seemed  to  oppose  his  entering  it.  He  forced 
his  way  through  them,  and  on  entering  the  city,  found  the 
streets  spacious  and  well  built.  He  proceeded  a considerable 
way  without  meeting  with  any  one,  and  came  at  last  to  shops, 
in  one  of  which  he  saw  an  old  man,  whom  he  courteously 
saluted. 

The  old  man  started  at  the  sight  of  the  prince,  and,  without 
answering  his  compliment,  pressed  him  to  come  into  his  house 
Beder,  though  surprised  at  his  earnestness,  complied  ; when  the 
old  man  congratulated  him  that  he  had  obtained  that  shelter 
before  any  misfortune  had  befallen  him  ; asking,  at  the  same 
time,  what  business  brought  him  to  that  city,  and  whether  he 
had  met  anybody  in  his  walk  thither. 

Beder  told  his  host  what  had  happened  to  the  ship ; and 
added,  ‘‘  That  he  met  no  man  in  his  way  from  the  sea,  but  had 
been  strangely  opposed  by  a number  of  animals  of  different 
sorts.” 

“ Those  animals  were  your  friends,”  replied  Abdallah,  which 
was  the  name  of  the  old  man  ; “ this  city  is  called  the  city  oi 
enchantments ; it  is  governed  by  a queen,  named  Labe,  who  is 
one  of  the  most  charming  and  most  wicked  of  her  sex ; incon- 


ARABIAN  NTGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


^17 


stant,  cruel,  treacherous,  and  a sorceress.  All  those  animals 
were  once  young  men,  strangers  like  you,  whom  she  has  trans- 
formed by  her  diabolical  art.  She  has  regular  patrols  who  go 
about  the  avenues  of  the  city,  and  seize  all  strangers,  either 
coming  in  or  going  out  of  it.  They  are  carried  before  the 
queen,  and  if  she  fancies  either  of  them,  he  is  clothed  in  magnif- 
icent apparel,  treated  as  ,a  prince,  caressed  by  the  queen,  who 
gives  him  such  proofs  of  affection  as  to  make  him  conclude  she 
loves  him  entirely.  This  happiness  is  not  permitted  to  last 
long ; for  within  forty  days  he  is  sure  to  lose  the  human  shape 
and  become  a brute.” 

The  king  of  Persia  heard  of  this  account  with  much  concern 
How  unfortunate  am  I ! ” said  he  aloud  : “ scarce  freed  from 
one  enchantment,  which  I remember  with  horror,  I am  now  ex- 
posed to  another  yet  more  terrible.”  Having  said  this,  he  very 
frankly  told  his  host  who  he  was,  and  what  had  befallen  him, 
and  requested  his  advice  how  to  conduct  himself  in  his  present 
perilous  situation. 

Prince,”  replied  Abdallah,  “ the  wise  man,  and  the  good 
Mussulman,  will,  in  all  disastrous  events,  look  about  for  such 
circumstances  as  most  alleviate  distress,  and  from  them  will 
collect  courage  and  resignation  to  the  will  of  Heaven.  It  is 
true,  you  are  unfortunate  in  arriving  at  this  city  ; but  then 
your  having  missed  the  patrols,  and  your  applying  to  me,  are 
happy  events.  Know  that  there  is  no  person  in  her  dominions, 
whom  Labe  treats  with  so  much  respect  as  myself  ; the  cause 
of  which  is,  that  she  well  knows  she  has  much  reason  to  fear 
me.  It  would  be  too  bold  a risk  to  attempt  to  get  out  of  the 
city  yet  j reside  a little  time  with  me.  I will  give  out  that  you 
are  my  nephew,  which  will  secure  you  the  civilities  of  the 
citizens,  and  you  will  not  be  considered  as  a stranger ; and, 
though  it  will  not  protect  you  wholly  from  the  queen,  it  will  at 
least  make  her  cautious  how  she  behaves  to  you.” 

The  king  of  Persia  thankfully  accepted  this  offer.  As 
Abdallah  knew  it  would  be  impossible  to  conceal  his  guest 
from  observation,  he  let  him  appear  openly ; and,  on  all  occa- 
sions, spoke  of  him  as  his  nephew.  Near  a month  had  passed 
when  Beder,  being  at  the  door,  saw  a very  splendid  procession 
approaching  ; he  asked  his  host  what  it  meant.  ‘‘  The  queen 
is  coming  by,”  answered  he,  ‘‘  but  do  you  stand  still,  and  feai 
nothing.” 

A thousand  of  the  queen’s  guards,  clothed  in  purple,  armed 
and  well  mounted,  marched  first,  with  their  sabres  drawn; 
then  followed  the  like  number  of  eunuchs,  habited  in  rich 


2 1 8 ARABIA  AT  NIGHTS'  ENTER  TAINMENTS. 

brocades ; next  came  as  many  young  ladies  on  foot,  splendidly 
dressed,  and  marching  slowly  with  half  pikes  in  their  hands ; 
in  the  midst  of  them  appeared  queen  Labe  on  a horse  all  glit- 
tering with  diamonds,  with  a gold  saddle,  and  housing  of  in- 
estimable value.  All  the  retinue,  as  they  passed,  saluted 
Abdallah  ; and  the  queen,  when  she  came  to  his  shop,  stopped 
to  speak  with  him. 

At  the  sight  of  Beder,  the  queen  complimented  Abdallah 
on  his  possessing  so  handsome  a slave.  The  old  man  told 
her  he  was  a nephew  whom  he  had  adopted  as  a son.  “ I will 
then,’’  replied  queen,  ‘‘  for  your  sake,  make  him  as  great  and 
powerful  as  ever  a private  man  was  ; let  him  join  my  train.” 
Abdallah,  with  great  respect,  besought  her  to  excuse  him ; but 
Labe,  having  gazed  earnestly  on  the  prince,  became  much 
pleased  with  him,  and  very  importunate  with  the  old  man  to 
part  with  him.  Abdallah  was  exceedingly  grieved  for  king 
Beder ; but  finding  the  queen  would  not  be  refused,  consented, 
on  condition  his  supposed  nephew  might  pass  one  more  day 
with  him. 

Most  part  of  this  day  he  passed  in  comforting  the  king  of 
Persia,  who  was  in  despair  when  he  found  he  should  be  in  the 
power  of  the  sorceress.  Abdallah  recommended  him  to  place 
no  confidence  in  the  queen’s  professions,  but  to  watch  her 
with  the  most  jealous  attention,  and  if  anything  happened 
which  appeared  alarming,  to  consult  him  immediately. 

The  next  day  Labe  came,  with  her  usual  train,  to  conduct 
Beder  to  her  palace.  As  soon  as  she  arrived  at  Abdallah’s 
house,  he  went  up  to  her  and  said,  “ Puissant  queen,  I conjure 
you  to  lay  aside  the  secrets  of  that  art  you  possess  in  so  won- 
derful a degree  ; respect  my  nephew  as  my  own  son ; and  you 
will  reduce  me  to  the  utmost  despair  if  you  should  think  fit  to 
deal  with  him  as  you  have  done  with  others.”  ‘‘  I understand 
you  very  well,”  replied  the  queen,  “ and  swear  to  you  by  the 
fire  and  the  light,  and  by  whatsoever  is  sacred  in  my  religion, 
that  neither  you  nor  he  shall  have  cause  to  repent  your  com- 
pliance with  my  desires.”  She  then  ordered  a horse  to  be 
brought  for  the  prince,  as  richly  caparisoned  as  her  own,  and 
caused  him  to  be  placed  at  her  left  hand.  As  he  was  mount- 
ing, she  asked  Abdallah  what  was  the  name  of  his  nephew  ; 
and  being  told  Beder  (the  full  moon),  her  majesty  replied, 
“ Sure  it  was  a mistake  ; he  ought  to  have  been  called  Shems  ” 
(the  sun). 

When  they  arrived  at  the  palace,  the  queen  conducted 
Beder  through  the  apartments,  which  were  furnished  in  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


210 


most  magnificent  style.  Before  dinner,  she  laid  aside  her  veil, 
and  discovered  a face  uncommonly  charming.  The  prince, 
notwithstanding,  beheld  her  unmoved.  ‘‘No  one,’*  thought 
he,  “ is  beautiful  whose  actions  are  hideous.” 

But  when  dinner  was  over,  and  wine  was  introduced, — 
when  music  and  dancing  had  softened  the  mand  of  the  young 
prince, — then  the  charms  of  the  enchantress  bewitched  him  ; 
and  laying  aside  all  his  wholesome  fears,  he  returned  her 
caresses,  careless  of  the  consequences. 

For  nine-and-thirty  days  Beder  abandoned  himself  to  these 
enervating  pleasures  ; but  in  the  evening  of  the  last  of  these 
days,  he  chanced  to  observe  the  queen  mix  a powder  in  a cup 
of  wine,  which  she  afterwards  presented  to  him.  His  suspicions 
were  at  once  awakened.  He  contrived  to  change  the  cup  un- 
observed, and  by  that  means  avoided  drinking  the  potion 
though  he  knew  not  for  what  purpose  it  was  administered. 
The  powder  was  intended  to  promote  sleep ; and  when  Beder 
and  the  queen  retired  to  rest,  the  prince,  whose  mind  was 
much  disturbed,  aided  the  deception  unwittingly,  by  pretend- 
ing to  fall  asleep  immediately,  in  order  to  avoid  conversation. 
Labe  arose,  and  not  doubting  but  that  her  powder  had  taken 
the  designed  effect,  proceeded  to  her  incantations  ; Beder  all 
the  time  observing  her  with  the  most  anxious  solicitude. 

She  opened  a chest,  and  taking  out  a box  full  of  yellow 
powder,  she  laid  a train  of  it  across  the  chamber,  when  a rivu- 
let of  water  appeared.  The  sorceress  poured  some  of  the 
water  into  a basin  full  of  flour,  and  kneaded  it,  mixing  certain 
drugs,  and  all  the  while  muttering  over  it.  Having  made  a 
cake,  she  caused  a fire  to  appear  in  one  corner  of  the  room, 
where  she  baked  it.  When  it  was  done,  she  uttered  certain 
words,  and  the  rivulet  and  fire  disappeared.  The  queen  put 
by  her  cake,  and  returned  to  bed. 

Beder  no  longer  doubted  but  Labe  meditated  mischief 
against  him.  In  this  situation,  he  reflected  with  deep  regret 
that  he  had  given  himself  up  to  sensuality  with  the  abandoned 
queen,  and  neglected  Abdallah.  He  resolved  to  visit  him  as 
soon  as  it  was  day,  to  acknowledge  his  fault,  and  entreat  his 
advice  how  to  act  in  his  present  situation. 

He  arose  accordingly,  and  leaving  queen  Labe  asleep,  he 
found  out  the  house  of  his  kind  host,  and  related  to  him  all 
that  had  passed.  Abdallah,  embracing  him,  said,  “ You  have 
Shaken  off  your  folly,  my  dear  Beder,  and  you  have  become 
jealous  in  good  time.  You  are  not  mistaken  ; this  wicked 
woman-  notwithstanding  her  rcBeated  oaths,  meditates 


2?0 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


ruin.  When  you  return,  she  will  present  you  with  a cake,  and 
press  you  much  to  eat  it.  You  will  do  well  to  slip  it  aside, 
and  eat  a piece  of  this  which  I will  now  give  you.  When  she 
thinks  you  have  swallowed  it,  she  will  attempt  to  transform 
you  into  some  animal.  Finding  she  does  not  succeed,  she  will 
pass  it  off  as  a joke  ; but  her  hatred  of  you  will  become  ex- 
treme. While  she  is  in  this  confusion,  you  must  present  her 
with  her  own  cake  whole.  As  she  will  think  she  has  failed  in 
her  purpose  from  some  omission  in  making  her  cake,  she  will 
readily  eat  some  of  yours,  to  remove  all  distrust  in  you,  and 
the  sooner,  because  she  will  think  you  broke  and  ate  a part  of 
that  she  made.  As  soon  as  she  has  swallowed  a morsel  of  it, 
throw  some  water  in  her  face,  and  bid  her  quit  her  present 
form,  and  take  any  one  you  please.’’ 

Beder  made  all  possible  acknowledgment  to  Abdallah  for 
defending  him  thus  from  the  wiles  of  a pestilent  sorceress. 
On  his  return  to  the  palace,  the  queen  met  him  with  much 
seeming  affection  ; she  gently  chid  him  for  having  left  her  so 
long,  and  invited  him  to  walk  with  her  in  the  garden.  When 
they  came  to  a cascade,  Labe,  with  the  most  endearing  tender- 
ness, presented  the  prince  with  a cake,  which  she  told  him  was 
of  her  making,  and  besought  him  to  eat  it  for  her  sake.  Beder 
received  it  with  respect,  and,  bowing  low,  contrived  to  change 
it  unobserved  for  that  which  Abdallah  had  given  him.  As 
soon  as  he  had  eaten  a little  of  it,  the  sorceress,  taking  some 
water  from  the  cascade,  threw  it  in  his  face,  saying,  Wretch, 
quit  the  form  of  a man,  and  become  a vile  horse,  lame  and 
blind.” 

These  words  having  no  effect,  the  queen  appeared  confused, 
and  blushed  exceedingly  ; but  she  presently  began  to  laugh  at 
Beder,  who  gave  in  to  the  pleasantry,  and  laughed  with  her. 
Soon  after,  he  said,  ‘‘  Charming  queen,  the  only  gift  I would 
accept  of  from  my  uncle  this  morning  was  a cake,  which  you 
will  find  most  delicious,  if  you  will  do  me  the  honor  to  taste 
it.”  Saying  this,  he  presented  her  with  her  own  cake.  In 
order  to  regain  the  confidence  of  the  king  of  Persia,  she  broke 
off  a piece  and  ate  it.  But  she  had  no  sooner  swallowed 
it,  than  she  appeared  much  troubled,  and  remained  motionless. 
Beder,  catching  up  some  water  in  his  turn,  threw  it  in  her  face, 
saying,  ‘‘  Abominable  sorceress,  quit  the  form  of  woman,  which 
thy  crimes  so  much  dishonor,  and  become  a mare.”  The 
transformation  took  place  immediately. 

The  mare  appeared  very  sensible  of  her  situation,  for  she 
shed  tears  in  great  abundance,  and  bowed  her  head  very  sub 


ARABTAI^  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


221 


missively  to  the  prince.  He  put  her  into  the  hands  of  a groom 
to  bridle  and  saddle ; but  of  all  the  bridles  in  the  stables,  not 
one  would  fit  her.  Beder  ordered  the  groom  to  lead  her  with 
him  to  Abdallah’s  house,  who  rejoiced  exceedingly  to  see  the 
prince  safe,  and  the  sorceress  in  that  situation.  The  old  man 
soon  found  a bridle  which  fitted  her  exactly  ; when  having  dis- 
missed the  groom,  he  said  to  Beder,  It  will  be  best  for  you, 
my  lord,  to  quit  this  city  immediately.  Mount  the  mare,  and 
return  to  your  kingdom.  But  before  you  leave  me,  let  me 
recommend  one  thing  to  your  especial  care,  which  is,  if  ever 
you  part  with  your  mare,  be  sure  to  deliver  the  bridle.”  Beder 
promised  to  remember  this  caution,  and  taking  an  affectionate 
farewell  of  his  friend,  he  set  out  for  Persia. 

After  several  days’  travelling,  he  arrived  at  the  suburbs  of 
a great  city,  where  a venerable  old  man  stopped  him,  and 
asked  him  from  what  part  of  the  world  he  came.  While  they 
were  talking,  an  old  woman  came  by,  and  looking  at  the  mare, 
sighed  and  wept  bitterly. 

Beder  was  affected  with  her  sorrow,  and  asked  her  the 
cause  of  it.  Alas  ! sir,”  said  she,  “ it  is  because  your  mare 
so  exactly  resembles  one  my  son  had,  that  I should  think  it 
the  same,  if  I did  not  know  she  was  dead.  Sell  her  to  me,  I 
beseech  you ; I will  give  you  more  than  she  is  worth,  for  the 
sake  of  him  who  once  owned  her  likeness,” 

The  king  of  Persia  told  her  he  would  on  no  account  sell 
his  mare.  But  she  continued  urging  and  entreating  him,  till 
he  was  tired  with  her  importunity.  At  length,  seeing  her  very 
poorly  dressed,  he  thought  of  a method  to  get  rid  of  her.  “ I 
never  intended,”  said  he,  to  sell  so  good  a beast,  nor  will  I 
now  for  less  than  a thousand  pieces  of  gold.  For  that  price 
you  shall  have  her ; so  go  home  and  fetch  the  money.”  I have 
no  need  to  go  home  for  it,”  replied  the  old  woman,  unloosing 
a purse  she  had  at  her  girdle,  “ here  is  exactly  the  sum  you 
demand.” 

Beder  was  surprised  to  find  so  shabby  a woman  thus  ready 
with  such  a large  sum.  He  bid  her  put  up  her  money.  “ I 
have  been  only  bantering  you  ; my  mare  is  not  to  be  sold.” 

The  old  man  had  been  witness  of  all  that  had  passed. 
“ Son,”  said  he  to  Beder,  ‘‘  it  is  necessary  you  should  know 
one  thing,  which  I find  you  are  ignorant  of.  It  is  not  per- 
mitted in  this  city  for  any  one  to  tell  a lie,  on  pain  of  death. 
As  you  have  made  a bargain  with  this  old  woman,  you  must 
not  refuse  to  take  her  money  and  deliver  your  mare,  or  you 
will  expose  vourself  to  certain  destruction.”  ^ 


222 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS^  ENTER TA/NM£N7y. 


The  king  of  Persia  found  himself  obliged  to  alight,  and 
give  up  his  mare.  In  his  confusion,  he  still  kept  hold  of  the 
bridle  long  enough  for  the  old  woman  to  slip  it  off  the  mare’s 
head,  and  leave  it  in  his  hand.  The  old  woman  then  taking 
up  some  water  that  ran  in  the  street,  threw  it  in  the  mare’s 
face,  saying,  Daughter,  quit  that  beastly  form,  and  reassume 
thine  own.”  The  queen  was  immediately  restored,  and  Beder 
was  so  terrified  when  he  saw  her  that  he  was  unable  to  attempt 
to  escape. 

The  old  woman  was  the  mother  of  queen  Labe,  and  had 
instructed  her  in  all  her  magic.  As  soon  as  she  had  embraced 
her  daughter,  she  caused  a genie  to  arise,  who,  taking  Beder 
on  one  shoulder,  and  the  old  woman  with  queen  Labe  on  the- 
other,  he  transported  them  in  a few  minutes  to  the  palace  of 
the  queen  in  the  city  of  enchantments.  When  they  arrived, 
Labe,  amidst  many  execrations,  transformed  the  prince  into  a 
vile  owl,  and  delivered  him  to  one  of  her  attendants,  with 
orders  to  shut  him  up  in  a cage,  and  keep  him  without  food 
till  he  perished. 

The  attendant,  disregarding  the  queen’s  command,  locked 
up  the  cage  in  a room  where  no  other  person  could  come,  leav- 
ing him  plenty  of  food.  She  then  went  to  Abdallah,  and  ac- 
quainted him  with  the  fate  of  the  king  of  Persia,  and  his  own 
danger;  queen  Labe  having  vowed  to  destroy  him  by  next 
morning. 

Abdallah  knew  the  power  and  the  malice  of  the  sorceress. 
He  summoned,  therefore,  a genie,  who  immediately  conveyed 
the  attendant  to  the  court  of  Persia.  By  the  direction  of  Ab- 
dallah, she  told  queen  Gulnare  in  what  situation  she  had  left 
Beder.  The  affectionate  mother  burst  into  tears  of  joy  at 
hearing  of  her  son.  She  ordered  the  trumpets  to  sound,  the 
drums  to  beat,  and  caused  proclamation  to  be  made  all  over 
the  city,  that  king  Beder  was  about  to  return  to  his  capital. 
She  then,  by  a certain  fumigation,  summoned  Saleh,  and  ac- 
quainted him  with  the  situation  of  his  nephew. 

Saleh  assembled  his  troops,  and  called  to  his  assistance  the 
genii,  his  allies,  who  appeared  with  their  numerous  armies. 
Gulnare  joined  them,  and  they  all  lifted  themselves  up  in  the 
air,  and  soon  poured  down  on  the  palace  and  the  city  of  en^ 
chantments,  where  the  magic  queen,  her  mother,  and  all  the 
other  adorers  of  fire,  were  put  to  death.  Beder  was  again  re- 
stored to  his  proper  form  ; and  Abdallah,  being  placed  on  the 
thione  of  Labe,  received  for  his  queen  the  attendant  who  had 
preserved  him  and  Beder. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


223 


The  marriage  revived  the  attachment  of  the  king  of  Persia 
Co  the  lovely  Giauhara;  and  Saleh,  desirous  of  gratifying  the 
wishes  of  his  nephew,  ordered  the  king  of  Samandal  to  be 
conducted  to  the  city  of  enchantments.  The  pride  of  that 
prince  had  been  now  sufficiently  humbled ; he  rejoiced  in  the 
opportunity  of  being  restored  to  his  throne,  by  an  alliance 
with  the  family  of  his  conquerors. 

Giauhara  obeyed  her  father  without  reluctance ; and  after 
apologizing  to  the  king  of  Persia  for  the  severe  treatment 
which  filial  duty  had  compelled  her  to  offer  him,  she  gave  him 
her  hand.  The  nuptials  were  solemnized  with  the  utmost 
magnificence  ; all  the  lovers  of  the  magic  queen,  now  restored 
^o  their  pristine  forms,  joyfully  assisting  at  them. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  GANEM,  SON  OF  ABOU  AYOUB, 
SURNAMED  LOVE’S  SLAVE. 

Abou  Ayoub  was  a merchant  of  Damascus,  who  had,  by 
care  and  industry,  acquired  great  wealth.  He  had  a son,  a 
very  accomplished  young  man,  whose  name  was  Ganem,  after- 
wards called  Love’s  Slave  ; and  a daughter,  who,  on  account  of 
her  admirable  beauty,  was  named  Alcolomb,  or  Ravisher  of 
Hearts. 

Abou  Ayoub  died  ; and  amidst  immense  riches,  he  left  a 
hundred  bales  of  brocades  and  other  rich  silks,  which  were 
ready  packed  in  the  warehouses,  and  marked  for  Bagdad. 
Some  time  after  his  death,  Ganem  resolved  to  carry  these 
goods  to  the  market  they  were  destined  for,  and  dispose  of 
them  among  his  father’s  correspondents.  He  w^as  received  by 
them  with  great  respect,  and  soon  sold  his  goods  to  his  satis- 
faction. 

Ganem  employed  the  time  he  had  to  stay  at  Bagdad  till 
the  return  of  the  caravan  in  improving  his  mind,  by  converse 
ing  with  the  principal  merchants,  and  seeing  everything  which 
was  w^orthy  of  observation.  One  day,  on  going  to  the  bez- 
estein,  he  found  all  the  shops  were  shut ; and  on  inquiring  the 
cause,  he  was  told  that  one  of  the  merchants,  whom  he  knew, 
was  dead,  and  that  all  his  brother  traders  were  going  to  his 
funeral. 

Ganem  went  to  the  mosque,  and  arrived  there  before  the 
prayers  w^ere  ended ; after  which,  the  body  was  taken  up,  and 
followed  by  the  kindred  and  the  merchants,  who;n  Ganem, 
joined,  to  the  place  of  the  burial,  wffiich  was  at  a great  distance 


22.) 


ARABI.4N  NIGI/TS^  BArTBBTA/A^MJSArm 


from  the  city.  It  was  a stone  structure,  like  a dome,  built 
purposely  for  the  family  of  the  deceased.  Tents  were  pitched 
around  it  to  receive  the  company.  The  monument  was  opened, 
and  the  corpse  laid  in  it ; the  imam  and  the  other  priests  sat 
down  in  a ring,  and  said  the  rest  of  the  prayers  ; they  also 
read  the  chapters  of  the  Alcoran  appointed  for  the  burial  of 
the  dead  ; the  kindred  and  merchants  sitting  round  in  the 
same  manner  behind  them. 

It  was  near  night  before  all  was  ended.  Ganem,  who  did 
not  expect  so  long  a ceremony,  began  to  be  impatient ; and 
more  so  when  he  saw  meats  served  in  memory  of  the  deceased, 
according  to  the  custom  of  Bagdad.  He  was  also  told  that 
the  tents  were  set  up  to  protect  the  company  from  the  evenijjg 
dews,  as  they  were  not  to  return  to  the  city  before  morning. 
Ganem,  who  had  considerable  property  in  his  house,  was 
alarmed  at  this  account ; and  having  eaten  a little  of  the  meat, 
he  contrived  to  slip  away  from  the  company  unobserved. 

He  made  all  possible  haste  towards  the  city,  but  unluckily 
mistook  his  way ; nor  could  he  even  find  the  track  to  the  tents 
again.  In  this  situation,  he  resolved  to  take  shelter  for  the 
night  in  one  of  the  tombs,  the  doors  of  which  they  did  not  take 
much  care  to  shut  fast. 

He  came  at  length  to  a large  tomb,  before  which  grew  a 
palm  tree.  Here  the  young  merchant  entered,  and  lying  down, 
endeavored  to  sleep  ; but  the  anxiety  he  was  under  at  being 
absent  from  home  prevented  him.  He  arose,  therefore,  and 
walkeds  backward  and  forwards  before  the  door.  After  some 
time,  he  was  startled  to  see  a light  coming  towards  him.  He 
shut  the  tomb,  and  climbed  up  the  palm-tree  as  his  safest  retreat. 

He  had  scarce  seated  himself,  when  he  perceived  three 
slaves  enter  the  burial-place ; one  of  them  bearing  a light,  the 
other  two  a large  chest ; which,  having  dug  a hole,  they  de- 
posited in  the  earth  ; and  filling  up  the  hole  as  smooth  as  pos- 
sible, they  departed. 

Ganem  concluded  that  the  chest  contained  something  of 
value.  When  the  slaves  were  gone,  and  daylight  began  to  ap- 
pear, he  descended  from  the  palm-tree,  and  with  much  labor 
removed  the  earth  from  the  chest,  and,  on  opening  it,  was 
amazed  to  find  a young  lady  of  incomparable  beauty,  magnifi- 
cently dressed ; and,  though,  her  eyes  were  shut,  evidently 
alive.  Ganem  lifted  her  out  of  the  chest,  and  the  fresh  air 
presently  recovered  her.  When  her  faculties  returned,  she 
was  equally  frightened  and  astonished  to  find  herself  in  a 
burial-place.  Ganem  approached  her  with  the  utmost  respect 


AP4B/AAr  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


225 


he  expressed  his  joy  at  having  been  the  means  of  saving  her 
crom  a preii^ature  grave,  and  oifered  to  obey  her  commands 
and  render  her,  in  any  manner  she  chose,  the  services  she 
stood  in  need  of.  At  the  sight  of  Ganem,  the  lady  covered 
her  face  with  her  veil.  After  hearing  his  account,  and  seeing 
the  chest,  she  was  at  no  loss  to  comprehend  her  situation  or 
the  value  of  the  assistance  the  merchant  had  rendered  her. 

But  the  present  was  no  place  for  explanation  ; nor  could 
she  hesitate  to  accept  the  protection  even  of  a stranger,  when 
the  perils  that  surrounded  her  were  so  numerous  and  so  dread- 
ful. I return  thanks  to  Heaven,  sir,’’  said  she,  “ for  having 
made  you  the  means  of  my  deliverance  ; I will  rely  on  your 
ii^egrity,  and  thankfully  accept  your  offer  of  further  help,  it 
is  highly  necessary  for  both  your  safety  and  mine,  that  I should 
return  to  Bagdad  unnoticed ; but  the  dress  I wear  will  attract 
the  attention  of  the  people.  We  must  contrive  to  manage  this 
matter  first,  and  when  we  arrive  at  your  house,  I will  fully  ac- 
quaint you  with  my  situation.” 

After  a short  deliberation,  Ganem  drew  the  chest  out  of  the 
pit,  which  he  filled  up.  He  then  placed  it  in  a part  of  the  en- 
closure where  it  was  least  likely  to  be  observed ; and  having 
persuaded  the  lady  to  lie  down  in  it  again,  he  covered  it  over 
with  loose  boughs,  and  went  into  the  city  ; he  hired  the  first 
muleteer  he  saw,  and  returning  to  the  burial-place,  assisted  him 
to  place  the  chest  on  the  back  of  the  mule.,  giving  him  some 
plausible  reason  for  having  deposited  it  there.  The  muleteer 
was  not  very  curious ; he  carried  the  chest  to  the  merchant’s 
house,  and  having  received  his  hire,  went,  well  satisfied,  about 
his  business. 

Ganem  hastened  to  release  the  lady  ; he  put  her  in  posses- 
sion of  the  best  apartments,  and  then  left  her  to  repose.  Re- 
turning some  hours  after,  he  presented  her  with  two  female 
slaves,  which  he  had  bought  to  attend  her,  and  led  her  to  a 
table  covered  with  the  choicest  dainties.  The  lady  by  this  time 
was  much  recovered,  and  by  the  lively  sallies  of  her  wit  com- 
pleted the  conquest  of  Ganem’s  heart.  The  young  merchant 
had  not  before  felt  the  power  of  love,  but  now  suffered  it  to 
take  the  most  entire  possession  of  his  soul. 

When  they  had  dined,  and  the  slaves  were  withdrawn, 
Ganem,  in  reaching  over  some  fruit  to  his  guest,  observed 
some  gold  letters  on  the  edge  of  her  veil,  which  he  requested 
she  would  explain.  “ Read  them,”  said  she,  taking  off  her 
veil ; they  will  serve  to  introduce  my  story  to  you.”  The 
young  merchant  was  so  delighted  with  the  admirable  beauty  of 


226 


ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


his  guest,  that  for  some  moments  he  forgot  to  look  at  the  veil 
he  held  in  his  hand  ; but  when  he  read  the  words,  he  was  cov- 
ered with  confusion,  for  they  implied  that  the  wearer  was  be- 
trothed to  the  illustrious  caliph  Haroun  Alraschid.  “ Alas  ! 
madam,”  said  Ganem,  “ I have  rescued  you  from  the  grave, 
and  these  words  on  your  veil  condemn  me  to  it.” 

The  lady,  without  noticing  this  sally  of  her  deliverer,  pro- 
ceeded to  acquaint  him  with  her  story.  “My  name,”  said  she, 
“ is  Fetnah,  which  signifies  a storm,  and  was  given  me  because 
it  was  predicted  at  my  birth,  that  the  sight  of  me  would  occa- 
sion many  calamities.  I was,  very  early  in  my  life,  introduced 
into  the  palace  of  the  caliph,  who  was  so  taken  with  me,  that 
he  presented  me  this  veil  ; and  had  before  now  added  me^to 
the  number  of  his  wives,  had  not  his  presence  been  required 
to  quell  an  insurrection  in  a distant  part  of  his  dominions. 
The  partiality  of  the  caliph  raised  me  many  enemies ; the  chief 
of  whom  is  Zobeide,  his  first  wife,  and  for  a long  time  his 
favorite.  This  violent  woman  has  taken  advantage  of  his  ab- 
sence ; she  has  caused  my  slaves  to  administer  a sleepy  potion 
to  me,  and 'during  its  effect,  disposed  of  me  in  a manner  you 
were  witness  to.  When  the  caliph  returns,  he  will,  I am  sure, 
amply  reward  the  service  you  have  done  me  ; but  till  then,  it 
is  necessary  that  I should  remain  in  the  utmost  privacy ; as 
should  Zobeide  know  that  I had  been  delivered,  she  would  not 
only  destroy  me,  but  you  would  also  fall  a sacrifice  to  her 
cruelty  and  revenge,  for  having  preserved  me.” 

When  Fetnah  had  finished  her  narrative,  the  young  mer- 
chant replied,  with  a sigh,  “ Ah ! madam,  your  story  has 
plunged  me  in  the  deepest  despair.  I had  presumed  to  en- 
courage hopes  that  I must  forever  renounce.  I will  preserve 
you  here  in  secret  for  your  illustrious  lover.  I cannot  cease  to 
adore  you,  but  will  never  again  presume  to  hint  my  passion  to 
you.  I know  too  well  my  duty  to  the  commander  of  the  Faith- 
ful, and  that  ‘ what  belongs  to  the  master,  is  forbidden  to  the 
slave.^  ” 

From  this  time  Ganem  waited  on  the  lady  with  the  most 
respectful  attention.  He  never  suffered  a word  to  escape  him 
on  the  subject  of  his  passion  for  her,  but  his  eyes  and  actions 
continually  spoke  for  him.  Fetnah,  who  had  no  affection  for 
the  caliph,  could  not  resist  the  attractions  of  a handsome  young 
man,  who  had  been  so  materially  her  benefactor,  and  whose 
love  for  her  was  unquestionable.  Siie  devoted  her  whole  heart 
to  him  ; yet  they  were  boUi  restrained  by  a sense  of  duty  to 
the  commander  of  the  Faitliful  i'rom  coming  to  an  explanation. 


ARABTAI^  NIGHT.^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


227 

Ganem  often  repeatinf^,  “ What  belongs  to  the  master,  is  for- 
bidden to  the  slave/’ 

But  though  110  expressions  of  affection  escaped  the  lips  of 
either  of  the  lovers,  yet  they  passed  every  hour  together  which 
was  not  devoted  to  indispensable  avocations.  When  they  were 
for  a little  time  thus  divided,  Fetnah  counted  the  hours  of  Ga- 
nem's  absence,  and  he  flew  with  rapture  to  her  presence  as 
soon  as  he  could  dispatch  his  business.  Several  months  glided 
aw^ay  in  this  manner.  At  length  the  young  merchant  growing 
impatient,  jegan  to  drop  hints,  inviting  his  lovely  guest  lo  re- 
tire with  him  to  Damascus,  and  unite  her  fate  with  his.  Fet- 
!nah  had  almost  determined  to  accept  his  offer,  when  a little 
female  vanity,  and  a well-founded  but  indiscreet  indignation, 
put  an  end  to  all  Ganem’s  hopes,  and  plunged  them  both  into 
very  severe  calamities. 

Fetnah  could  not  bear  that  Zobeide  should  triumph  in  the 
success  of  her  barbarous  arts.  Without  considering  the  con- 
sequences to  herself  or  her  protector,  she  determined  to  lay 
before  the  caliph  the  wickedness  of  that  princess.  She  re- 
quested Ganem  to  inquire  if  the  commander  of  the  Faithful 
was  returned,  and  whether  any  notice  was  taken  of  her  sup- 
posed death. 

Ganem  conducted  these  inquiries  with  great  dexterity.  He 
learnt  that  immediately  after  her  having  been  disposed  of  in  the 
burial  place,  a report  of  her  death  had  been  industriously  spread 
all  over  the  city  • Fiat  Zobeide  had  celebrated  her  obsequies 
with  great  pomp,  and  had  erected  a mausoleum  to  receive  the 
body,  where  lighted  candles  w^ere  perpetually  burning,  and  every 
ceremony  performed  which  custom  had  appointed  for  the  illus- 
trious dead. 

He  heard  further,  that  the  caliph  had  returned  to  Bagdad 
more  than  a month  ; that  on  his  arrival  he  had 'expressed  the 
utmost  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  his  beloved  Fetnah ; that  he 
caused  the  ceremonies  to  be  repeated  with  still  greater  mag- 
nificence, and  that  they  were  still  continued.  Prayers  and  the 
Alcoran  were  recited,  and  the  caliph,  attended  by  his  officers 
in  the  deepest  mourning,  every  day  moistened  the  earth  that 
covered  the  phantom  of  his  love,  with  his  tears. 

Fetnah,  on  receiving  this  report,  drew  up  a relation  of  all 
that  had  befallen  her.  This,  by  the  help  of  Ganem,  she 
contrived  to  lay  before  the  caliph.  Haroun  read  the  account 
of  his  favorite’s  suffering  with  surprise  and  tenderness,  and 
with  indignation  against  Zobeide.  But  towards  the  close  of  her 
narrative,  Fetnah  had  enlarged  a little  too  much  on  the  care 


228  ARABIAN'  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TA/NMENTS, 

which  Ganem  tooK  of  her.  The  manner  also  in  which  she 
spoke  of  her  deliverer,  betrayed  to  the  jealous  prince  the  state 
of  her  heart ! 

‘‘  Is  it  so  ? ’’  exclaimed  the  enraged  caliph ; ‘‘  the  perfid- 
ious wretch  has  been  four  months  with  a young  merchant, 
and  dares  to  boast  of  the  respect  he  pays  her.  Thirty  days  are 
past  since  my  return  to  Bagdad,  and  she  now  bethinks  herself 
of  telling  me  this  news.  Ungrateful  creature ! while  I have 
passed  the  hours  in  bewailing  her,  she  has  spent  them  in  be- 
traying me.  Go  to,  let  us  take  revenge  on  the  false  woman, 
and  on  that  bold  youth  who  affronts  me.’’ 

The  caliph  immediately  dispatched  Giafar  with  orders  to 
.evel  Ganem’s  habitation  to  the  ground,  and  to  bring  him  and 
Fetnah  prisoners  to  the  palace.  The  grand  vizier  had  no  diffi- 
culty in  finding  out  the  house  of  the  young  merchant,  which 
chanced  to  stand  detached  from  any  other.  He  ordered  his 
troops  to  surround  it,  that  neither  he  nor  Fetnah  might  escape. 

The  instant  Fetnah  saw  the  soldiers  posting  in  a circle  round 
her  asylum,  she  concluded  that  her  memorial  to  the  caliph  had 
been  attended  with  effects  very  different  from  what  she  had 
expected.  Though  not  without  alarm  on  her  own  account,  her 
principal  concern  was  for  Ganem.  Her  influence  with  the 
caliph  she  trusted  could  meet  his  anger  ; but  to  his  rage  and 
jealousy,  her  host,  her  deliverer,  would  certainly  fall  a sacrifice. 
She  hastily  explained  to  Ganem  the  nature  of  their  situation, 
and  without  listening  to  his  desire  of  staying  with  her  and 
sharing  her  fate,  she  obliged  him  to  disguise  himself  like  a 
slave  belonging  to  an  eating-house,  and  putting  on  his  head  the 
dishes  they  had  just  eaten  their  dinner  from,  she  opened  the 
door  and  dismissed  him. 

Giafar  was  advancing  to  the  house  when  he  met  Ganem  ; 
but  being  deceived  by  his  appearance,  he  suffered  him  to  pass 
without  examination  ; and  the  soldiers  seeing  him  go  by  the 
grand  vizier  unnoticed,  gave  him  way  also  ; he  got  speedily  to 
one  of  the  city  gates,  and  escaped. 

When  the  grand  vizier  entered  the  house,  he  found  Fetnah 
sitting  in  a room  where  were  a number  of  chests  full  of  the 
money  which  Ganem  had  made  of  his  goods.  The  minister,  in 
the  most  gentle  manner,  communicated  his  master’s  orders  to 
the  lady,  who  declared  herself  ready  to  attend  him  ; but  added, 
that  the  merchant  to  whom  she  owed  her  life,  had  been  gone 
above  a month  to  Damascus.  She  then  besought  Giafar  to  pre- 
serve the  chests  which  contained  her  deliverer’s  property,  which 
he  readilv  undertook  to  do. 


AJRABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTER  TA/NMBNTS. 


229 


The  grand  vizier  having  given  orders  for  destroying  the 
bouse,  conducted  Fetnah  to  the  palace,  and  entering  the  royal 
Dalace,  gave  the  caliph  an  account  of  his  proceedings.  Haroun 
was  so  enraged  when  he  found  the  young  merchant  had  escaped, 
that  he  refused  to  see  Fetnah  ; he  ordered  her  to  be  shut  up  in 
the  dark  tower,  a prison  within  the  walls  of  the  palace,  where 
the  attendants  of  the  caliph  were  punished  when  they  disobliged 
him,  and  where  he  vowed  the  unfortunate  Fetnah  should  end 
her  days. 

Not  satisfied  with  this  victim  to  his  fury,  the  enraged 
caliph  wrote  to  his  cousin  Zinebi,  who  held  the  kingdom  of 
Syria  as  his  tributary,  to  find  out  Ganem,  if  possible,  and  send 
him  a prisoner  to  Bagdad.  He  ordered  his  house  there  to  be 
plundered  and  then  razed ; and  all  his  nearest  relations  to  be 
led  naked  through  the  city  for  three  days,  after  which  they 
were  to  be  banished  Damascus  ; the  citizens,  also,  were  forbid- 
den to  give  them  shelter  or  relief  on  pain  of  death. 

Zinebi,  though  he  received  these  orders  with  great  regret, 
knew  his  duty  to  the  commander  of  the  Faithful  too  well  to 
delay  obedience.  He  went  with  a few  attendants  to  Ganem’s 
house,  where  he  found  his  mother  and  sister  retired  into  a dome 
they  had  erected  at  a tomb  for  their  beloved  relation  ; of  whom, 
as  they  had  heard  nothing  for  a long  time,  they  supposed  to 
be  dead.  Zinebi,  having  caused  the  house  to  be  diligently 
searched  for  Ganem,  told  the  ladies  in  the  most  gentle  manner, 
that  he  had  incurred  the  high  displeasure  of  the  caliph,  and 
hinted  to  them  that  the  resentment  of  the  commander  of  the 
Faithful  had  extended  itself  to  them.  This  affectionate  mother 
and  her  daughter  were  so  rejoiced  to  hear  that  Ganem  was 
alive,  that  they  at  first  disregarded  the  severities  which  were 
denounced  against  them.  Zinebi,  moved  with  their  piety,  took 
off  his  robe  and  covered  them  with  it,  to  protect  them  from 
insult;  he  then  led  them  out,  and  gave  the  signal  for  the  mob 
to  plunder.  Chests  full  of  wealth,  fine  Persian  and  Indian 
carpets,  and  other  rich  goods  were  carried  off  by  the  rabble  ; 
after  which  the  house  was  levelled  with  the  ground  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  afflicted  ladies  ; who,  having  undergone  the  first 
part  of  their  punishment,  were  conveyed  to  the  palace,  where 
the  queen  of  Zinebi  treated  them  with  as  much  tenderness  as 
she  durst. 

The  next  day  proclamation  was  made  through  the  city  of 
Damascus  of  Ganem^s  offence,  and  of  the  further  punishment 
which  the  caliph  had  ordered  to  be  inflicted  on  his  relations. 
The  citizens  heard  these  cruel  and  unjust  commands  with  the 


230 


ARABIAJ^  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


highest  indignation.  They  shut  up  their  houses  and  shops, 
and  avoided  the  streets  at  the  time  the  unhappy  ladies  were 
led  through  them.  Even  the  officers  executed  their  duty  with- 
out rigor,  and  suffered  them  to  wear  a loose  robe  of  horse  hair 
which  some  of  their  friends  had  ventured  to  provide  for  them. 

The  sentence  being  fulfilled,  they  were  banished  the  city, 
and  the  inhabitants  strictly  forbidden  to  give  them  any  assist- 
ance  Notwithstanding  this  injunction,  they  were  supplied 
with  apparel  and  money  by  their  compassionate  neighbors  ; and 
left  Damascus,  rejoicing  amidst  their  sufferings,  that  their  be- 
loved was  yet  alive. 

While  these  matters  passed  at  Damascus,  Fetnah  continued 
a close  prisoner  in  the  dark  tower,  wffiere  she  ceased  not  to 
bewail  the  fate  of  her  unfortunate  deliverer.  One  night,  as  the 
caliph  was  returning  from  an  evening  perambulation,  he  passed 
by  the  dark  tower,  and  overheard  Fetnah  lamenting  her  situa- 
tion. She  bewailed  the  ruin  of  Ganem,  and  deprecated  the 
wrath  of  Heaven  upon  the  caliph ; whom  she  charged  in  the 
most  pointed  terms  with  cruelty,  injustice,  and  ingratitude. 

This  accident  caused  the  caliph  to  recollect  himself.  He 
sent  for  Fetnah,  and  caused  her  to  relate  to  him  all  that 
had  befallen  her.  She  dwelt  much  on  the  obligations  she  was 
under  to  Ganem.  She  praised  the  respect  with  which  she  had 
always  behaved.  “ I will  not  conceal  from  your  majesty,’’  con- 
tinued she,  “ that  at  first  he  seemed  desirous  to  devote  himself 
to  me  ; but  as  soon  as  he  heard  I had  the  honor  of  being 
acceptable  to  you,  he  exclaimed,  ‘That  which  belongs  to  the 
master  is  forbidden  to  the  slave.’  From  that  moment  his 
behavior  was  agreeable  to  such  an  idea ; assiduous,  but  dis- 
tant and  respectful.  Notwithstanding  which,  you,  commander 
of  the  Faithful,  know  with  what  rigor  you  have  treated  him  ; 
and  you  will  answer  for  it  before  the  tribunal  of  God.” 

Though  Haroun  was  violent  in  his  passions,  and  sometimes 
gave  himself  up  to  their  influence  too  hastily,  yet  he  loved 
justice,  and  when  calm,  was  open  to  conviction.  He  regretted 
exceedingly  the  severity  he  had  exercised  towards  Ganem,  and 
was  not  displeased  with  the  frankness  of  Fetnah.  “ At  least,” 
said  the  humbled  prince,  “ I will  meet  that  awful  appeal,  with 
having  made  every  reparation  in  my  power ; I will  cause  his 
pardon  to  be  published  throughout  my  dominions,  and  will 
amply  repay  his  losses.  This  is  due  to  his  innocence,  and  to 
compensate  for  the  miseries  I have  caused  him  and  his  family 
to  suffer,  I will  give  you  to  him  for  a wife,  and  make  him  wealthy 
beyond  his  hopes.” 


ARABIAN  iVIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


231 


Fetnah  returned  the  caliph  thanks  for  his  jusuce ; after 
which,  she  was  permitted  to  return  to  the  apartments  which  she 
had  formerly  possessed  in  the  palace  ; and  she  had  the  satisfac- 
tion to  find  there  all  the  chests  belonging  to  Ganem,  which  the 
vizier  had  taken  care  to  convey  thither. 

Proclamation  was  made  all  over  the  dominions  of  the  caliph, 
declaring  the  son  of  Abou  Ayoub  pardoned,  and  inviting  him 
to  return  to  Bagdad,  and  receive  the  bounty  of  his  sovereign  \ 
but  a long  time  elapsed  without  any  news  of  the  young  merchant. 
Fetnah  became  exceedingly  unhappy  on  his  account.  Besides 
using  every  means  of  inquiry  in  her  power,  she  went  from  mosque 
to  mosque,  bestowing  alms  among  the  devotees,  and  soliciting 
their  prayers. 

One  day,  as  she  was  talking  with  a syndic,  to  whom  she  had 
given  a large  sum  to  be  distributed  among  the  afflicted,  he 
chanced  to  mention  two  women  whom  her  bounty  had  enabled 
him  to  relieve  when  in  a state  of  great  distress.  He  spol^e  so 
much  in  their  praise,  that  Fetnah  had  a desire  to  see  them. 
They  were  introduced  to  her ; and  she  was  so  taken  with  theii 
appearance,  that  she  inquired  with  great  tenderness  into  the 
cause  of  that  misery  from  which  they  had  been  rescued  by  the 
good  syndic. 

Alas  ! madam,’^  replied  the  elder  stranger,  ‘‘  a favorite 
of  the  caliph,  whose  name  was  Fetnah,  is  the  cause  of  all  our 
misfortunes.’’  These  words  were  a thunderbolt  to  the  lady, 
who  was  scarce  able  to  suppress  her  emotion,  while  the  stranger 
proceeded  with  her  story,  which  announced  her  the  mother  of 
Ganem ; and  her  fellow-sufferer  to  be  his  sister,  the  lovely 
Alcolomb. 

By  the  time  she  had  finished  her  story,  Fetnah  was  in  some 
degree  recovered.  She  embraced  the  parent  of  her  lover,  “ I 
am  that  Fetnah,”  said  she,  “ who  caused  all  your  distresses, 
but  I have  it  in  my  power  to  make  you  full  amends.”  She  then 
related  to  them  all  that  had  befallen  her  and  Ganem  ; and  con- 
cluded with  saying,  that  the  caliph  was  convinced  of  her  son’s 
innocence,  and  impatient  to  repair  his  wrongs.  Having  finished 
iier  narrative,  she  exchanged  embraces  with  them,  and  they 
mutually  vowed  a lasting  friendship. 

When  Fetnah  was  about  to  withdraw,  the  syndic  recom- 
mended to  her  benevolence  a young  man  who  had  been  just 
brought  into  his  house,  and  seemed  oppressed  with  sorrow  as 
well  as  illness.  Fetnah,  whose  heart  was  more  than  ever  dis- 
posed to  pity,  by  the  affecting  interview  she  had  just  had,  wished 
to  see  him.  On  beholding  him,  lying  on  his  bed,  iiis  eyes  closed, 


232 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


his  face  pale  and  emaciated,  she  started,  and  thought  that  she 
discovered  amidst  all  his  wretchedness,  the  countenance  of  her 
beloved  Ganem.  She  called  him  so,  but  the  sufferer  regarded 
her  net.  Grieved  and  impatient,  she  exclaimed,  How  am  I 
deceived  ! this  cannot  be  Ganem  ; the  son  of  Abou  Ayoub, 
however  sick,  would  knew  the  voice  of  Fetnah.’’  At  that  name, 
Ganem  (for  it  was  he)  opened  his  eyes,  and  seeing  his  adored 
mistress,  attempted  to  speak  ; but  his  joy  was  too  great.  He 
sank  into  a swoon  ; and  the  condition  to  which  Fetnah  was 
reduced,  convinced  the  syndic  it  was  necessary  to  remove  her 
from  the  apartment  of  his  patient. 

It  was  not  till  several  days  after,  when  Ganem  was  much 
recovered,  that  the  prudent  syndic  would  suffer  another  inter- 
view between  the  lovers.  At  length  he  permitted  it ; and  having 
properly  prepared  each  party,  he  introduced  to  him  also  his 
mother  and  his  sister.  After  the  transports  of  their  mutual  joy 
had  in  some  measure  subsided,  Ganem  told  them  that  having 
escaped  to  an  inconsiderable  village,  not  far  from  Bagdad,  he 
had  continued  safe  among  the  friendly  peasants  ; but  a sickness 
seizing  him,  caused  by  his  grief  and  perturbation,  which  none 
of  them  could  cure,  they  had  sent  him  to  Bagdad,  by  the  camel- 
driver,  in  whose  hands  the  syndic  had  found  him. 

Ganem^s  mother  then  related  all  that  had  befallen  her  and 
Alcolomb.  Even  the  presence  of  his  beloved  Fetnah  could  not 
prevent  the  young  merchant  from,  shedding  tears  at  their  suffer- 
ings. He  expressed,  also,  his  apprehensions  lest  they  should 
fali  into  the  hands  of  the  furious  caliph.  Fetnah  presently 
removed  those  fears ; but  when  she  added  that  the  commander 
of  the  Faithful  had  determined  to  resign  her  to  her  lover,  in 
compensation  for  his  sufferings,  the  joy  of  Ganem  was  inex- 
pressible. 

The  caliph  was  soon  informed  by  Fetnah  that  the  victims 
of  his  former  ungovernabk  rage  were  in  his  capital : the  gen 
erous  prince  rejoiced  that  he  had  at  last  an  opportunity  o^ 
making  them  a reparation.  He  desired  Fetnah  to  lead  thr 
ladies  to  the  palace  privately ; but  ordered  his  officers  of  state 
to  wait  on  Ganem,  and  conduct  him  to  the  palace,  with  all  the 
marks  of  respect  conferred  on  persons  of  the  most  honorable 
character 

This  ceremony  over,  Ganem  was  presented,  together  with 
his  mother  and  his  sister,  to  the  caliph.  That  prince  had  the 
goodness  to  apologize  to  them  for  what  had  passed.  He  gave 
Fetnah  with  his  own  hand  to  her  deserving  lover.  He  dismissed 
Zobeide  from  his  throne,  and  banished  her  his  presence,  to 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINAIENI'S, 


233 


punish  her  cruelty  and  treachery ; in  her  room,  he  received  to 
his  arms  the  lovely  Alcolomb,  whose  beauty  was  adorned  with 
good  qualities  still  more  estimable. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  PRINCE  ZEYN  ALASNAM,  AND  THE 
KING  OF  THE  GENII. 

A king  of  Balsora,  who  possessed  great  wealth,  and  was 
beloved  by  his  subjects,  had  no  children,  which  was  a great 
affliction  to  him.  He  therefore  made  presents  to  all  the  holy 
persons  in  his  dominions,  to  engage  them  to  beg  of  Heaven  to 
grant  him  a son.  Their  prayers  proved  effectual.  The  queen 
was  happily  delivered  of  a prince,  who  was  named  Zeyn  Alas- 
nam,  which  signifies,  ornament  of  statues. 

The  king  called  all  the  astrologers  of  the  kingdom  to  cal- 
culate the  infant’s  nativity.  They  found  he  would  live  long, 
and  be  very  brave  ; but  that  all  his  courage  would  be  little 
enough  to  support  him  through  certain  difficulties  that  threat- 
ened him.  The  king  was  not  dismayed  at  this  prediction.  “ My 
son,’’  said  he,  is  not  to  be  pitied,  since  he  will  be  brave.  It 
is  fit  that  princes  should  have  a taste  of  misfortune  ; adversity 
tries  virtue,  and  thence  they  become  the  fitter  to  reign.” 

As  Zeyn  grew  up,  he  discovered  a very  good  disposition  ; 
and  by  the  care  of  his  father,  acquired  every  accomplishment. 
He  had  nearly  attained  the  age  of  manhood,  when  the  good  old 
king  fell  sick  and  died. 

Zeyn  was  much  afflicted  at  the  death  of  his  father,  whom  he 
sincerely  loved  ; but  time  moderating  his  griefs,  he  began  to 
enjoy  the  pleasures  of  a throne.  He  entered  into  all  the  follies 
and  vices  which  so  often  mislead  young  men.  He  was  sur- 
rounded with  parasites.  He  lavished  his  treasures  on  unworthy 
favorites,  on  whom  he  bestowed  also  the  first  appointments  in 
his  kingdom ; and  they  at  once  oppressed  and  insulted  his 
people. 

From  this  delusion  he  was  awakened  by  two  circumstances 
alike  distressing  and  disgraceful.  He  found  his  treasures  dis- 
sipated, and  his  subjects  ripe  for  a revolt.  By  dismissing  his 
worthless  companions,  and  wholly  reforming  his  conduct,  he 
appeased  his  people ; but  the  waste  of  his  wealth  could  not  be 
recalled,  and  the  recollection  of  his  prodigality  rendered  him 
very  unhappy. 

While  these  thoughts  had  possession  of  his  mind,  he  dreamt 
one  night,  that  a venerable  old  man  came  towards  him,  and  said. 


234 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


You  know,  Zeyn,  that  joy  and  sorrow  generally  succeed  each 
other.  If  you  would  put  an  end  to  your  present  affliction,  get 
up,  set  out  for  Egypt,  and  go  to  Grand  Cairo  ; a greater 
fortune  attends  you  there,  than  you  have  lately  dissipated.’’ 

The  prince,  when  he  awoke  in  the  morning,  reflected  on  his 
dreams  very  seriously.  He  resolved  at  length  to  set  out  for 
Cairo.  This  determination  made  it  necessary  to  commit  the 
government  of  the  kingdom  to  his  mother,  who  tried  in  vain, 
by  serious  argument  and  by  ridicule,  to  stop  his  journey  on  so 
chimerical  a business ; but  the  appearance  of  the  old  man  had 
made  so  great  an  impression  on  Zeyn,  that  he  was  fully  per- 
suaded his  dream  was  supernatural.  Having  therefore  dis- 
posed of  his  affairs,  he  set  out  one  night,  very  privately,  and 
took  the  road  to  Cairo,  without  suffering  any  person  to  attend 
him. 

After  much  fatigue,  he  arrived  at  that  famous  city.  Being 
spent  with  weariness,  he  lay  down  at  the  gate  of  a mosque,  and 
fell  asleep  ; when  he  saw  the  same  old  man,  who  said  to  him, 
I am  well  pleased,  my  son,  that  you  have  given  credit  to  my 
words.  I have  put  you  on  this  long  journey  to  try  if  you  had 
resolution.  I find  you  deserve  L should  make  you  the  richest 
man  in  the  world.  Return  to  Balsora,  and  you  shall  find  im- 
mense wealth  in  your  palace.” 

The  prince  was  not  well  pleased  with  this  dream.  He  de^ 
termined  to  return  immediately,  and  rejoiced  that  he  had  kept 
his  journey  a secret  from  everybody  but  the  queen,  his  mother. 
When  he  arrived  at  his  palace,  that  discreet  princess  did  not 
reprove  or  laugh  at  him,  but  rather  consoled  him  under  his  dis- 
appointment ; and  advised  him  to  abstain  from  all  excesses  in 
future,  and  turn  his  thoughts  to  the  good  order  of  his  kingdom, 
and  the  happiness  of  his  subjects. 

Zeyn  was  much  relieved  by  this  conversation.  He  retired 
to  rest,  when  he  again  saw  the  old  man  in  a dream,  who  said  to 
him,  ‘‘  The  time  of  your  prosperity  is  now  come,  brave  Zeyn. 
As  soon  as  you  rise  in  the  morning,  take  a pickaxe,  and  dig  in 
your  father’s  closet ; you  will  there  find  immense  treasure.” 

In  the  morning  he  hastened  to  the  queen’s  apartment,  and 
with  much  earnestness  told  her  his  new  dream.  His  mother, 
finding  he  again  placed  confidence  in  the  vision,  laughed  at 
him.  Go,”  said  she,  search  your  father’s  closet  diligently ; 
one  comfort  is,  that  work  is  not  so  toilsome  as  a journey  to 
Egypt.” 

The  young  man  withdrew,  abashed.  He  went  notwithstand- 
ing, to  the  late  king’s  closet,  and  shutting  himself  in,  removed 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


235 


the  pavement.  He  proceeded  to  dig  till  he  not  only  fatigued 
himself,  but  began  to  despair ; when  he  discovered  a stone,  and 
under  it  a door,  which  covered  a staircase  of  white  marble 
He  descended  into  a room,  in  each  corner  of  which  there  stood 
ten  large  urns  of  porphyry  stone.  The  prince  supposed  they 
were  full  of  wine,  but  on  examining  them  he  was  agreeably  sur- 
prised to  find  they  all  contained  gold  coin  ; a handful  of  which 
he  carried  to  the  queen. 

That  princess  was  astonished  at  the  account.  Zeyn  con- 
ducted her  to  the  chamber  where  the  urns  were  ; and  as  she  was 
observing  everything  with  attention,  she  espied  a very  small  urn 
of  the  same  stone,  which  the  prince  had  not  taken  notice  of.  On 
searching  it  they  found  only  a small  gold  key.  ‘‘  My  son,’' 
said  the  queen,  this  key  certainly  will  lead  us  to  some  other 
treasure.  Let  us  look  about ; perhaps  we  may  discover  the 
use  it  was  designed  for.” 

After  a diligent  search,  they  discovered  a keyhole  in  one  of 
the  panels  of  the  wainscot.  Zeyn  tried  the  key,  which  opened  a 
door  that  led  to  another  chamber,  in  which  were  nine  pedestals 
of  massy  gold.  On  eight  of  these  stood  statues  as  large  as  life, 
each  formed  of  an  entire  diamond,  of  the  most  admirable  work- 
manship, The  ninth  pedestal  redoubled  their  amazement.  It 
was  covered  with  a piece  of  white  satin,  on  which  were  these 
words  : ‘‘  My  son,  it  caused  me  much  toil  to  get  these  statues  ; 
they  are,  as  you  see,  exquisitely  beautiful,  and  of  immense 
value.  But  know,  there  is  a ninth  which  surpasses  them  all ; 
that  alone  is  worth  a thousand  such  as  these.  Would  you 
obtain  this  inestimable  jewel,  go  to  Cairo,  and  submit  yourself 
to  the  instruction  of  an  old  slave  of  mine,  named  Morabec, 
whom  you  will  find  without  difficulty.” 

Zeyn  instantly  declared  his  intention  of  going  in  search  of 
this  jewel,  and  the  queen  now  applauded  his  determination. 
Having  secured  the  treasure  they  had  found,  the  prince  made 
ready  his  equipage  ; and  attended  by  a few  slaves,  set  off  for 
Cairo. 

He  soon  found  Morabec,  who  lived  in  great  splendor. 
Zeyn  related  to  him  all  that  had  befallen  him ; which,  when 
Morabec  had  heard,  he  fell  at  his  feet.  ‘‘  I am  convinced,” 
said  he,  from  your  account  that  you  are  the  son  of  my  royal 
master  ; and  as  I never  received  my  freedom  from  him,  I and 
all  that  I possess  are  yours.”  I now,”  replied  Zeyn,  “ give 
you  your  freedom,  and  renounce  all  right  to  your  wealth.  I 
ask  in  return,  that  you  will  zealously  assist  me  till  I have  gained 
the  ninth  statue,” 


236  ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

Morabec  gratefully  acknowledged  the  prince’s  generosity, 
and  promised  to  attend  him.  “ The  enterprise,”  said  he,  “ will 
abound  with  danger  and  fatigue.  Repose  yourself  here  for 
some  time,  and  we  will  then  undertake  it.”  Zeyn  reluctantly 
complied,  but  after  a little  while  he  became  impatient.  “ I 
came  not  to  Cairo,”  said  he  to  his  friends,  “ to  indulge  myself 
in  rest  and  amusements;  but  to  obtain  the  ninth  statue.” 
Morabec  praised  his  spirited  disposition,  and  ordered  a proper 
equipage  to  be  got  ready  ; the  prince  and  he  then  performed 
an  ablution,  and  the  prayer  which  is  called  Farz  ; after  whicii 
they  set  out. 

After  several  days’  they  arrived  at  a delicious  grove,  where 
Morabec  caused  the  whole  company  to  alight,  Zeyn  and  he 
delivered  their  horses  to  the  care  of  their  attendants,  whom 
they  ordered  to  await  their  return.  They  set  forward  on  foot, 
and  as  they  proceeded,  Morabec  cautioned  the  prince  to  call 
forth  all  his  courage.  “ We  are  now,”  said  he,  “ approaching 
the  dreadful  place  where  the  ninth  statue  is  kept,  and  shall 
very  soon  come  to  a lake.  When  we  draw  near  the  banks  of  it, 
you  will  see  a boat  approach,  which  is  enchanted,  and  belongs 
to  the  king  of  the  genii.  We  shall  be  taken  into  this  boat,  and 
ferried  over  the  lake ; but  you  must  be  careful  not  to  express 
the  least  fear  at  the  sight  of  the  waterman,  however  hideous  he 
may  be,  nor  must  you  utter  a single  word  while  we  are  em- 
barked, or  the  boat  will  instantly  sink.” 

Zeyn  promised  an  exact  obedience  to  these  injunctions. 
They  presently  came  to  the  lake,  and  found  the  boat  ready  to 
receive  them.  It  was  made  of  red  sanders,  had  a mast  of 
amber,  and  a satin  flag ; but  the  waterman  was  monstrous  and 
terrible.  He  had  the  head  of  an  elephant,  and  the  body  of  a 
tiger.  Zeyn  drew  near  with  great  intrepidity.  He  lifted  the 
prince  first,  and  then  Morabec,  into  his  boat,  with  his  trunk, 
conveyed  them  over  the  lake  in  a moment,  and  putting  them  on 
shore  in  the  same  manner,  immediately  vanished. 

“ Now,”  said  Morabec,  we  may  talk  ; I congratulate  you 
on  that  fortitude  and  self-command  which  you  have  displayed, 
and  for  which  you  will  soon  have  still  greater  occasion.  We 
are  now  on  an  island  which  belongs  to  the  king  of  the  genii. 
Look  around  you,  and  enjoy,  as  we  go  forward,  the  surpassing 
beauties  of  this  delightful  place.”  Zeyn  saw  with  admiration 
me  enchanting  prospect.  I'he  fields  were  finely  disposed,  and 
adorned  with  all  sorts  of  odoriferous  plants  and  flowers  ; the 
trees  were  laden  with  the  most  delicious  fruit  ; the  air  was 
uncommonly  soft  and  pleasant ; and  the  harmonious  songs  of 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


237 


numberless  birds,  many  of  which  were  peculiar  to  that  island, 
enlivened  the  beautiful  scenes  around  them.  The  prince,  though 
very  greatly  pleased  with  what  he  beheld,  urged  his  companion 
to  hasten  forward  on  the  great  business  they  had  undertaken. 

At  length  they  came  to  a palace  built  of  emeralds ; before 
the  gate,  which  was  of  massy  gold,  there  stood  a company  of 
genii,  who  guarded  the  entrance  with  clubs  of  China  steel. 
The  sight  of  these  terrific  sentinels  did  not  in  the  least  check 
the  ardor  of  the  prince  ; he  was  pressing  forward,  when  Mor- 
abec  caught  him  by  the  hand,  and  told  him  that  something 
more  than  human  virtues  or  talents  was  now  necessary.  He 
then  drew  from  a purse  four  long  strips  of  yellow  taffety  ; one 
he  put  about  his  middle  and  the  other  on  his  back,  giving  the 
remaining  two  to  the  prince,  who  did  the  same  with  them. 
Morabec  then  spread  two  large  cloths  on  the  ground,  and 
sprinkling  the  borders  of  them  with  precious  stones,  musk,  and 
amber,he  seatedTimself  in  the  midst  of  one  of  them,  and  directed 
Zeyn  to  place  himself  in  the  same  manner  on  the  other.  “ I 
will  now,’^  said  he,  ‘‘  conjure  the  king  of  the  genii,  who  lives  in 
the  palace  before  us,  that  he  may  come  to  us  peaceably.  I am 
not  without  apprehension  as  to  the  reception  he  may  choose  to 
give  us.  If  our  coming  here  is  displeasing  to  him,  he  will  ap- 
pear in  the  shape  of  a horrible  monster ; in  which  case  you 
must  sit  still  and  keep  an  entire  silence,  not  suffering  the  least 
sound  to  escape  you.  If  he  is  favorably  disposed  towards  us, 
he  will  come  in  the  shape  of  a handsome  young  man.  You  will 
then,  as  soon  as  he  appears,  rise  and  salute  him  with  all  pos- 
sible respect,  and  tell  him  the  business  which  brings  you  hither. 
But  take  especial  care  not  to  step  off  your  cloth,  or  you  will 
certainly  perish.’^ 

Morabec,  having  thus  instructed  the  prince,  began  his  con- 
juration. Immediately  their  eyes  were  dazzled  with  a flash  of 
lightning,  which  was  followed  by  most  tremendous  thunder  ; 
the  whole  island  was  covered  with  a hideous  darkness  ; a storm 
of  wind  blew ; a dreadful  cry  was  heard ; and  the  island  was 
shaken  by  an  earthquake,  such  as  Asrayel  is  to  cause  on  the 
day  of  judgment. 

The  steady  soul  of  the  prince  was  a little  startled  at  these 
awful  appearances,  which  he  began  to  consider  as  very  ill  omens. 
Morabec  perceived  what  passed  in  his  mind,  and  assured  him 
that  all  was  well.  At  that  instant  the  king  of  the  genii  ap- 
peared, as  a very  handsome  man,  yet  there  was  a sternness  in 
his  air. 

As  soon  as  prince  Zeyn  had  paid  his  compliments  and  re^ 


ARAB TAN^  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMEJ^TS, 


238 

lated  what  he  came  in  search  of,  the  king  of  the  genii,  smiling, 
answered : “ My  son,  I loved  your  father,  and  have  no  less 
kindness  for  you.  The  statues  you  found  were  presented  to 
him  by  me  ; and  1 promised  him  to  receive  you  into  my  pro- 
tection. I caused  him  to  write,  a few  days  before  he  died,  that 
which  you  read  on  the  piece  of  white  satin.  I appeared  to  yoit 
in  your  dreams  as  an  old  man,  and  have  been  the  cause  of  ail 
that  hath  happened  to  you.  I intend  to  give  you  what  you  seek, 
if  you  prove  worthy  of  it ; and  the  test  must  be  this  You  must 
engage  on  your  oath  to  find  out  a maid  in  her  fifteenth  year, 
who  has  never  known  man,  or  desired  to  do  so.  She  must  be 
perfectly  beautiful ; and  you  so  much  master  of  yourself,  as  not 
even  to  wish  to  deprive  me  of  her,  but  you  must  yourself  con- 
duct her  hither.’’ 

Prince  Zeyn  took  without  hesitation  the  oath  that  was  re- 
quired of  him.  But,  sir,”  said  he,  “ how  shall  I know  when 
I have  met  with  such  a maid  ? ” It  is  truq,”  replied  the  king 
of  the  genii,  “that  knowledge  is  above  the  sons  of  Adam. 
Take  therefore  this  looking-glass  \ if,  on  the  maid  looking  at  it, 
it  appears  sullied,  it  will  be  a certain  sign  that  she  has  not  been 
always  undefiled,  or,  at  least,  that  she  has  wished  to  cease  be- 
ing so.  You  have  now  a certain  criterion.  Be  diligent  in  your 
search,  and  forget  not  the  oath  you  have  taken  ; but  fulfil  it, 
as  becomes  a man  of  honor.” 

The  king  of  the  genii  having  delivered  the  mirror  to  Zeyn, 
gave  him  and  Morabec  permission  to  depart.  They  returned 
to  the  lake  ; the  waterman  with  the  elephant’s  head  brought  his 
boat  and  ferried  them  over ; they  joined  their  servants  and 
returned  to  Cairo. 

When  the  prince  had  rested  a few  days,  he  began  to  apply 
himself  diligently  to  perform  his  engagement  with  the  king  of 
the  genii.  By  the  assistance  of  an  intriguing  old  woman,  whom 
Morabec  introduced  to  him,  Zeyn  obtained  access  to  all  the 
beautiful  young  women  in  the  court  and  city  of  Cairo.  He  saw 
many  of  the  most  exquisite  beauty  ; but  when  be  consulted  his 
mirror,  the  fatal  touchstone  of  their  virtue,  it  always  appeared 
sullied. 

Zeyn,  thus  disappointed,  resolved  to  seek  elsewhere  for  that 
purity  which  was  not  to  be  found  in  Cairo.  He  travelled  to 
Bagdad,  attended  by  Morabec ; and  as  he  wished  to  be  much 
known,  to  forward  his  inquiries,  took  a handsome  palace,  and 
lived  in  splendor. 

There  resided  in  that  quarter  of  the  city  an  imam,  whose 
name  was  Boubekir,  a vain,  haughty,  envious  old  man  ; he 


ARABIAN  mC/ITS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


239 


hated  the  rich  only  because  he  was  poor ; and  under  the 
appearance  of  an  austere  and  rigid  virtue  he  indulged  his 
ill-nature  in  railing  at  the  luxury  of  those  who  were  in  pros- 
perous circumstances.  By  this  hypocrisy,  and  by  often  ha- 
ranguing the  people  when  in  the  mosque,  he  had  acquired  con- 
siderable influence,  which  he  used  with  much  art,  to  gratify 
the  malignity  of  his  disposition. 

The  magnificence  of  Prince  Zeyn  soon  rendered  him  obnox- 
ious to  the  imam,  which  was  increased  by  the  prince  taking  no 
notice  of  him.  Boubekir  took  an  opportunity  of  addressing 
the  people  one  evening  after  prayers  ; and  by  sly  insinuations, 
and  charges  half  suppressed,  he  irritated  them  against  the 
spendthrift  stranger,  as  he  called  him.  Pie  hinted  the  neces- 
sity of  giving  notice  to  the  council  of  Zeyn’s  manner  of  living, 
lest,  if  anything  should  be  proved  against  him,  the  caliph  should 
be  displeased  with  their  inattention.  In  short,  he  so  cajoled 
the  assembly,  that  they  agreed  to  present  a memorial  against 
Zeyn  to  the  council ; and  gave  directions  to  Boubekir  to  pre- 
pare it. 

Fortunately  Morabec  was  at  prayers,  and  remained  unno- 
ticed among  the  crowd  j he  heard  all  that  passed.  He  imme- 
diately hastened  home,  and  putting  five  hundred  pieces  of  gold 
into  a purse,  he  went  to  the  house  of  the  imam.  Boubekir  re- 
ceived him  with  his  usual  austerity,  and  surlily  asked  what  he 
wanted.  Doctor,’’  replied  Morabec,  with  an  obliging  air,  and 
at  the  same  time  putting  the  purse  in  his  hand,  ‘‘  I am  your 
neighbor  and  your  servant ; I come  from  Prince  Zeyn,  who  lives 
just  by;  he  has  heard  of  your  worth,  and  desires  the  pleasure 
of  your  acquaintance.”  As  soon  as  the  purse  reached  the 
hand  of  the  imam,  his  rigor  melted  away.  “ Be  pleased,  sir,” 
said  he,  to  beg  the  prince’s  pardon  for  me ; I am  ashamed  I 
have  not  yet  been  to  wait  on  him,  but  I will  atone  for  that  fault 
to-morrow.” 

Next  day,  after  morning  prayer,  Boubekir  said  to  the  as- 
sembly, You  know,  brethren,  that  no  man  is  without  enemies  ; 
and  that  envy  always  pursues  the  fortunate  and  meritorious. 
The  stranger  I spoke  to  you  about  yesterday,  is  no  ill  man,  as 
some  man,  as  some  malicious  persons  would  have  persuaded 
me,  but  a young  prince,  possessed  of  many  virtues.  It  would 
be  dangerous  as  well  as  indecent,  for  us  to  make  a bad  report 
of  him  to  the  caliph.” 

Boubekir  having  thus  done  away  the  unfavorable  impression 
he  had  himself  made  on  the  people  concerning  Zeyn,  waited  on 
the  prince,  who  gave  him  a courteous  reception.  Morabec, 


240 


ARABIAN  JV/GI/TS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


judging  that  such  a busy  man  was  likely  to  know  the  character 
of  his  fellow-citizens,  advised  Zeyn  to  acquaint  the  imam  with 
the  search  he  was  making  ; nor  was  he  mistaken.  When  Bou- 
bekir  heard  the  relation,  he  cried  out,  that,  “ if  there  was  such 
a virgin  in  the  world,  he  knew  her.”  In  fact,  the  imam  nov/ 
became  Zeyn’s  zealous  adherent,  introduced  the  prince  to  a 
young  lady,  the  daughter  of  a vizier,  whose  beauty  astonished 
the  young  king  of  Balsora  ; and,  on  pulling  out  his  mirror,  to 
try  if  the  maid  was  as  chaste  as  fair,  he  had  the  satisfaction  to 
find  it  remained  unsullied. 

Zeyn  having  at  last  succeeded  in  his  difficult  search,  de- 
manded the  young  lady  of  her  father  in  marriage.  The  vizier 
gladly  consented  ; and  the  nuptials  were  celebrated  with  splen- 
dor. Zeyn  loaded  his  new  father-in-law  with  the  most  costly 
presents  ; nor  was  Boubekir  forgotten.  When  the  company  were 
dismissed,  Morabec  advised  his  master  to  set  out  immediately 
for  Cairo,  and  to  proceed  with  all  diligence  to  the  island  of  the 
king  of  the  genii. 

Zeyn  did  not  listen  to  this  advice  with  his  usual  complacency. 
Morabec  found  him  strangely  balancing  whether  he  should  keep 
his  engagement  with  that  king,  or  conduct  his  charming  bride 
to  Balsora  in  defiance  of  him.  In  vain  Morabec  pleaded  the 
value  of  the  ninth  statue,  which  would  reward  his  fidelity ; in 
vain  he  described  the  power  of  the  king,  and  cautioned  the 
prince  to  dread  the  consequence  of  his  disobedience.  The 
charms  of  the  lovely  virgin  had  taken  too  full  possession  of  his 
heart  for  him  to  be  allured  by  avarice,  or  intimidated  by  danger ; 
and  the  thought  of  sacrificing  her  to  a genie,  oppressed  him 
with  grief  and  indignation. 

But  to  the  call  of  honor,  and  to  the  sanctity  of  an  oath, 
Zeyn  could  not  refuse  to  listen.  Morabec  pointed  out  these 
obligations,  and  adjured  the  prince  to  subdue  his  passions,  and 
fulfil  his  engagement.  “ Well,  then,”  exclaimed  he,  “ I yield 
to  these  cruel  obligations ; let  us  set  out  with  all  haste  for  this 
fatal  island  ; and  do  you  conceal  the  lovely  maid  from  my  sight. 
Perhaps  I have  already  seen  too  much  of  her.” 

They  set  out  accordingly,  Zeyn  carefully  refraining  from  the 
sight  of  his  bride  all  the  way.  On  their  arrival  at  the  island,  it 
became  necessary  to  acquaint  the  young  lady  with  her  destina- 
tion. The  grief  and  despair  she  expressed  on  receiving  the  in- 
formation, was  a new  and  severe  trial  of  the  prince’s  fortitude. 
He  persevered,  notwithstanding,  and  presented  her  to  the  king 
of  the  genii.  The  sovereign  of  spirits,  having  gazed  at  her  for 
some  time  very  earnestly,  ordered  his  attendants  to  convey  her 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


241 


into  the  castle,  and  turning  to  Zeyn,  who  could  scarcely  conceal 
his  distress,  the  king  commended  his  integrity  ana  resolution. 
“ I am,’’  said  he,  “fully  satisfied  with  your  behavior.  Return 
to  your  dominions  ; and  when  3^ou  enter  the  subterraneous  room 
where  the  eight  statues  are,  you  shall  find  the  ninth,  which  I 
promised  you.’^ 

Zeyn  coldly  thanked  the  king  of  the  genii ; and  having  taken 
leave  of  him,  returned  to  Balsora.  He  approached  his  capital, 
overwhelmed  with  affliction  for  the  loss  of  his  bride  ; and  un- 
ceasingly condemning  himself  for  having  been  the  cause  of  her 
misfortune. 

On  his  arrival,  he  went  directly  to  give  his  mother  an  ac- 
count of  his  journey.  She  was  in  raptures  to  hear  he  had  ob- 
tained the  ninth  statue.  “ Let  us  go,  my  son,”  said  she,  “and 
see  it  immediately ; no  doubt  it  is  already  in  the  chamber 
underground,  since  the  king  of  the  genii  promised  you  should 
find  it  there.” 

Though  Zeyn’s  desire  of  possessing  the  ninth  statue  was 
much  abated,  or  rather  forgotten,  through  his  excessive  grief, 
yet  he  had  too  much  respect  for  his  mother  to  delay  attending 
her  to  the  siibterraneous  apartment ; but  how  great  was  their 
wonder  when,  instead  of  a diamond  statue,  they  found  on  the 
ninth  pedestal  a most  beautiful  virgin,  whom  the  prince  knew 
to  be  the  same  he  had  conducted  to  the  island  of  the  genii. 
Before  they  could  recover  their  surprise,  a loud  clap  of  thunder 
shook  the  palace,  and  the  king  of  the  genii  appeared  before 
them. 

Zeyn’s  mother  was  much  terrified,  but  the  king  soon  dis- 
pelled her  fear.  “ Madam,”  said  he  to  her,  “ I protect  and 
love  your  son  , yet  it  was  proper  I should  try  whether  he  de- 
served my  partiality,  before  I gave  him  the  best  gift  in  my 
power.  I had  the  pleasure  to  find  him  possessed  of  many  and 
great  virtues ; and  though  I knew  he  did  not  punctually  keep 
his  word  with  me,  1 am  too  well  acquainted  with  the  frailty  of 
human  nature  to  wonder  that  the  charms  of  this  beautiful 
virgin  made  him  waver  in  his  fidelity.”  Then  turning  to  the 
prince,  he  said,  “Live  happy,  Zeyn,  with  this  young  lady,  who 
is  your  wife ; love  her,  and  her  only,  and  I will  be  answerable 
for  her  fidelity.  This — this  is  the  ninth  statue,  which  I de- 
signed for  you,  and  it  is  infinitely  more  precious  than  all  the 
rest ; for  be  assured,  there  is  nothing  on  earth  to  be  compared 
with  a virtuous  and  Icwely  woman.” 

16 


ARABIAJSr  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


242 

THE  HISTORY  OF  CODADAD  AND  HIS  BROTHERS. 

There  reigned  formerly  in  the  city  of  Harran,  a king  called 
Zaphnah.  He  was  beloved  by  his  subjects,  and  wanted  nothing 
to  complete  his  happiness  but  an  heir.  Though  he  had  many 
of  the  finest  women  in  his  seraglio,  yet  he  was  destitute  of 
children.  He  continually  prayed  to  Heaven  for  them,  and  one 
night  the  prophet  appeared  to  him  in  his  sleep  and  said, 
Zaphnah,  thy  prayers  are  heard,  and  thou  hast  obtained  thy 
desires.  Go  into  thy  garden  when  thou  wakest ; gather  a 
pomegranate,  and  eat  as  many  seeds  as  thou  choosest,  and  thy 
wishes  shall  be  accomplished.’’ 

In  the  morning,  the  king  obeyed  these  directions.  Having 
returned  thanks  to  Heaven,  he  went  into  the  garden,  where  he 
took  fifty  pomegranate  seeds,  which  he  counted  and  ate.  Zeph- 
nah  had  fifty  wives,  who  all  of  them  shortly  after  proved  with 
child,  though  one  of  them,  named  Pirouze,  showed  no  appearance 
of  it.  The  king  was  so  disgusted  with  her  on  this  account,  that 
he  determined  to  put  her  to  death.  But  his  vizier,  who  had 
great  influence  over  him,  and  was  very  humane,  interceded  so 
strongly  for  her,  that  Zaphnah  suffered  himself  to  be  overcome. 
“ Her  barrenness,”  said  he,  ‘‘  is  a mark  of  the  displeasure  of 
Heaven.  Let  her  live,  but  let  her  depart  my  court.  My  cousin, 
the  prince  of  Samaria,  shall  receive  her.  If  she  is  with  child, 
let  me  know  it  on  her  delivery  ; if  not,  let  me  never  hear  her 
name  again.” 

Pirouze  was  sent  accordingly  to  the  court  of  Samaria.  In 
due  time,  the  other  nine-and-forty  ladies  were  each  delivered  of 
a prince,  and  while  Zaphnah  was  rejoicing  at  these  events,  news 
arrived  that  Pirouze  had  also  produced  a son,  whose  beauty  the 
prince  of  Samaria  praised  in  the  highest  terms. 

Though  Zaphnah  was  much  pleased  at  the  birth  of  his 
fiftieth  son,  yet  being  ashamed  of  the  severity  with  which  he  had 
treated  his  mother,  he  determined  not  to  recall  her  to  Harran. 
He  sent  her  compliments  of  congratulation  ; but  at  the  same 
time  desired  his  cousin  would  give  the  child  the  name  of 
Codadad,  and  carefully  superintend  his  education  ; sufficiently 
showing  by  these  orders  that  he  did  not  intend  soon  to  recall 
Pirouze  and  her  son  to  his  court. 

The  prince  of  Samaria  performed  his  office  with  the  greatest 
attention.  Codadad,  under  his  tuition,  became  one  of  the  most 
accomplished  of  princes.  As  he  grew  up,  he  began  to  be  im- 
patient to  visit  his  father’s  court,  and  finding,  when  he  had 
reached  his  eighteenth  year,  that  Zaphnah  expressed  no  desire 


ARABIAJV  mCHTS'  EJVTERTAINMEJVTS. 


243 


to  see  him,  he  threw  himself  at  his  mother’s  feet,  and  besought 
her  permission  to  go  to  Harran.  “1  will  present  myself,”  said 
he,  “ to  my  royal  father,  without  discovering  myself  to  him,  I 
will  offer  him  ray  services  ; possibly  I maybe  so  fortunate  as  to 
merit  his  esteem  ; and  he  will  then  receive  me  as  his  son  with- 
out reluctance.” 

Pirouze  approved  of  his  resolution,  and  Codadad  left  Sa- 
maria accordingly.  When  he  ^rrived  at  the  city  of  Harran, 
he  offered  his  services  to  the  king.  Zaphnah,  struck  with  his 
appearance,  and  perhaps  moved  by  a natural  sympathy  in  his 
favor,  readily  accepted  of  them.  It  was  not  long  before  Coda- 
dad  had  an  opportunity  to  signalize  his  bravery  in  such  a man- 
ner as  to  gain  the  high  approbation  of  the  king,  and  the  applause 
of  the  whole  army  ; nor  were  his  other  talents  less  conspicuous. 
Zaphnah’s  affection  for  him  increased  daily.  He  admired  his 
discourse,  ever  full  of  wit  and  wisdom  ; and  at  length,  to  show 
how  much  he  approved  of  his  admirable  talents,  he  appointed 
the  young  stranger  governor  of  his  forty-nine  sons,  though  he 
was  apparently  of  the  same  age  with  themselves. 

The  princes  had  before  seen,  with  a jealous  eye,  the  pro- 
gress Codadad  daily  made  in  their  father’s  favor.  This  appoint- 
ment increased  their  envy  and  hatred.  They  received  him  with 
the  appearance  of  respect,  but  had  already  planned  his  destruc- 
tion. 

After  a few  days  they  came  together  to  their  new  governor, 
and  requested  his  permission  to  take  a day’s  hunting  ; resolv- 
ing to  go  to  some  other  city,  and  stay  there,  in  hope  that  their 
father  would  revenge  their  supposed  loss  on  his  new  favorite, 
and  put  him  to  death.  Codadad  granted  their  request ; but 
was  much  surprised  to  find  that  none  of  them  returned  in  the 
evening.  His  alarm  increased  when  the  next  day  and  the  day 
following  passed  and  the  princes  still  continued  absent  On  the 
fourth  day  the  king  inquired  of  Codadad  where  his  sons  were, 
and  why  he  had  not  seen  them  for  several  days.  The  unfortu- 
nate governor  was  obliged  to  tell  the  truth.  Zaphnah,  as  the 
princes  had  foreseen,  was  exceedingly  enraged.  “ Is  it  thus, 
indiscreet  stranger,  that  you  begin  to  discharge  the  important 
trust  I have  committed  to  you  ? Go,  find  my  sons  immediately, 
or  expect  ^:o  feel  the  utmost  weight  of  my  resentment.” 

Codadad,  though  much  afflicted,  thought  himself  fortunate 
to  have  escaped  sc  well  out  of  the  king’s  presence.  He  went 
home,  and  having  armed  himself,  and  put  on  the  disguise  of  a 
shepherd,  he  left  the  cit^,  and  set  forward  in  search  of  his 
brothers. 


244 


ARABTAN  JVIGHTS^  EA/TERTA/NMEN‘TS. 


After  many  days  spent  in  vain,  he  arrived  at  a plain  of  great 
extent,  in  the  middle  of  which  was  a palace  of  black  marble. 
When  he  drew  near,  he  saw  at  one  of  the  windows  a most 
beautiful  lady,  who  was  evidently  in  great  affliction.  As  soon 
as  she  saw  him,  she  called  out,  saying,  ‘‘  Alas,  young  man  ! get 
away  as  fast  as  possible  from  this  fatal  place,  or  you  will  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  monster  v\^ho  inhabits  it.  A cruel  black 
giant,  who  feeds  chiefly  on  human  flesh,  resides  in  this  palace  : 
l7e  seizes  on  all  persons  whose  ill  fortune  conducts  them  to 
this  plain,  and  shuts  them  up  in  his  dark  dungeon;  whence 
they  are  never  let  out,  but  to  be  devoured  by  him.’^ 

Codadad  was  very  anxious  to  know  who  his  fair  informer 
was,  and  whether  he  could  not  release  her  out  of  the  castle. 
“ I fell  into  the  hands  of  this  barbarian  yesterday  only,’’  replied 
she.  He  destroyed  my  servants,  but  saved  me,  I fear,  for  a 
more  dreadful  fate.  You,  generous  stranger,  can  yield  me  no 
assistance.  Fly  with  all  speed  ; the  monster  is  not  far  off  ; and 
you  will  be  fortunate  if  your  utmost  haste  can  save  you.” 

She  had  scarce  uttered  these  words,  when  the  black  ap- 
peared. He  was  a man  of  enormous  size  and  dreadful  aspect, 
mounted  on  a mighty  Tartar  horse,  and  wore  such  a large  and 
weighty  cimeter,  that  no  one  but  himself  could  use  it.  The 
prince  was  a good  deal  startled  at  his  appearance,  but  drew  his 
cimeter,  and  stood  upon  his  defence.  The  giant,  despising  so 
weak  an  adversary,  called  out  to  him  to  surrender,  with  a mix- 
ture of  real  scorn  and  affected  gentleness  ; but  Codadad  soon 
convinced  him  he  was  no  despicable  enemy ; for  running  briskly 
up  to  him,  he  gave  him  a violent  cut  on  the  knee.  The  black, 
feeling  himself  wounded,  gave  such  a dreadful  shriek,  as  made 
all  the  plain  resound.  He  grew  enraged,  foamed  at  the  mouth, 
and  raising  himself  in  his  stirrups,  struck  at  Codadad  with  his 
dreaded  cimeter,  wnich  must  have  destroyed  him,  if  he  had 
not  with  great  dexterity  avoided  it.  The  cimeter  made  a 
great  hissing  in  the  air  ; but  before  the  giant  could  recover 
himself,  the  prince  aimed  a noble  blow  at  his  right  arm,  and 
cut  it  off.  The  cimeier  fell  with  the  hand  that  held  it ; and 
the  giant  losing  his  seat  through  the  extremity  of  the  pain, 
made  the  earth  quake  with  his  fall.  Codadad  ran  up  to  him, 
and  completed  the  victory  by  chopping  off  his  enemy’s  head. 
The  lady,  who  had  been  a spectator  of  the  combat,  seeing  the 
giant  destroyed,  gave  a shout  for  joy  ; and  then  called  out  to 
the  conqueror  to  search  the  pockets  of  the  slain,  and  secure 
the  keys  of  the  castle. 

Codadad  having  followed  her  advice,  opened  the  first  door, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


245 


whet^e  the  lady  met  him,  and  would  have  embraced  his  knees 
for  her  deliverance,  but  he  prevented  her.  He  had  now  leisure 
to  contemplate  her  beauty ; and  was  rejoiced  that  he  had  been 
able  to  do  so  essentiaba  service  to  so  lovely  a woman.  Their 
conversation  was  interrupted  by  dismal  cries  and  groans. 
Codadad  looked  round  to  find  whence  they  proceeded,  when 
the  lady  pointing  to  a little  door,  said,  “ There  is  the  place 
where  a number  of  unhappy  men  are  confined,  who  were 
destined  for  the  food  of  the  cruel  wretch  you  have  destroyed. 
Every  day  he  drew  out  one  to  be  devoured.’’  It  is  an  addi- 
tion to  my  joy,”  replied  the  prince,  “ that  I am  the  means  of 
saving  so  many  unfortunate  persons  from  such  a dreadful  end. 
Come  with  me,  madam,  and  share  in  the  pleasure  of  giving 
them  their  liberty.” 

Codadad  went  accordingly  to  the  little  door,  when  the 
prince  put  a key  into  the  lock,  which  proved  to  be  a wrong  one. 
All  the  prisoners,  supposing  it  was  the  giant,  sent  forth  groans 
and  lamentations.  Codadad  made  haste  to  change  the  key, 
and  having  opened  the  door,  descended  among  them.  He 
began  to  unchain  those  who  were  nearest  to  him,  and  made 
them  understand  that  he  had  slain  their  enemy,  and  was  come 
to  set  them  free.  As  the  report  spread  among  the  prisoners, 
shouts  of  a very  different  nature  rent  the  cavern.  Those  first 
unchained  set  free  others,  and  in  a very  little  time  they  were 
all  at  liberty ; and,  leaving  the  dungeon,  ascended  joyfully  to 
light  and  life. 

When  they  were  come  into  the  court,  they  returned  thanks 
to  their  deliverer,  in  terms  becoming  those  who  had  received 
so  great  a benefit.  Codadad’s  joy  was  unbounded  when  he 
found  among  the  prisoners  the  nine-and-forty  princes,  his 
brothers.  He  embraced  them  with  the  sincerest  affection,  not 
without  anxiety  till  he  found  every  one  of  them  was  safe  ; and 
they  on  their  part  gave  their  deliverer  all  the  praises  he  de- 
served. 

The  slaves  of  the  giant,  when  they  found  their  master  was 
slain,  fled  away  through  by-paths  known  only  to  themselves. 
Codadad  found  the  castle  filled  with  the  wealth  the  giant  had 
plundered  from  the  caravans.  All  this  treasure  he  divided 
among  the  prisoners,  who  found  horses  and  camels  in  the 
stables  sufficient  to  carry  away  the  merchandise  ; and  having 
again  returned  thanks  to  their  generous  benefactor,  every  man 
set  forward  on  his  return  home. 

When  they  were  g«ne,  Codadad  asked  the  lady  what  place 
designed  to  go  to ; offering  to  conduct  her  wherever  snc 


246 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


chose.  “ I am/^  replied  she,  “ of  a country  far  remote  hence  j 
and  must  own  to  you  that  I have  left  that  country  forever. 
After  the  obligations  I owe  you,  sir,’’  addressing  herself  to 
Codadad,  ‘‘  I will  not  conceal  my  situation  from  you.  I am 
a king’s  daughter.  A usurper  has  possessed  himself  of  my 
father’s  throne,  after  having  murdered  him ; and  I have  been 
forced  to  fly  for  my  life.” 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRINCESS  OF  DERYABAR. 

‘‘  There  is,  in  a certain  island,  a great  city  called  Deryabar. 
It  was  long  governed  by  a potent  and  virtuous  king,  whose 
daughter  I am. 

“Not  many  years  after  my  birth,  as  he  was  hunting,  he 
espied  a wild  ass  which  he  chased.  Being  an  eager  sportsman, 
he  outrode  his  company,  and  pursued  his  game  alone  till  night 
drew  on.  He  then  alighted,  and  took  shelter  at  the  edge  of  a 
wood.  When  it  became  dark,  he  discovered  a fire  at  some 
distance  among  the  trees,  which  made  him  conclude  some 
village  was  not  far  off.  But  he  found  the  light  proceeded  from 
a large  fire,  kindled  in  an  open  hut,  in  which  sat  a dreadful 
giant.  He  had  a large  pitcher  of  wine  before  him,  and  was 
roasting  a bullock  whole,  from  which  he  now  and  then  cut  slices 
and  ate  them.  In  another  part  of  the  hut  there  sat  a beautiful 
woman,  seemingly  absorbed  in  grief  ; her  hands  were  bound, 
and  at  her  feet  lay  a child  of  two  or  three  years  old. 

“My  father  contemplated  this  scene  with  indignation;  but 
the  giant  was  evidently  too  powerful  to  be  coped  with  by  him 
alone,  and  no  other  means  of  delivering  the  prisoners  occurred 
to  him  at  that  moment.  While  he  meditated  on  these  matters, 
the  giant  having  emptied  the  pitcher  and  devoured  about  half  of 
the  bullock,  turned  to  the  woman,  and  said,  ‘ Why  will  you, 
beautiful  princess,  oblige  me  to  treat  you  with  so  much  severity 
It  is  in  your  power  to  be  happy.  If  you  will  but  receive  and 
return  my  love,  I will — ’ ‘ Hideous  satyr ! ’ interrupted  the 

lady,  ‘ I shall  never  cease  to  abhor  you.  You  will  always  be  a 
monster  in  my  eyes.’  She  added  so  many  reproaches,  that 
the  giant  grew  enraged.  ‘ This  is  too  much,’  cried  he,  in  a 
furious  tone ; your  hatred,  madam,  has  produced  mine.  I will 
no  longer  solicit  your  favors,  but  will  punish  your  insults  by 
depriving  you  of  life.’  Having  said  this,  he  drew  his  cimeter, 
and  would  undoubtedly  have  put  his  threats  into  execution,  if 
my  father  had  not  let  fly  an  arrow,  which  pierced  the  giant’s 
breast,  so  that  he  dropped  down  dead. 


ARABIAJV  NIGHl'S^  EN7BRTAINMENTS, 


247 


father  entered  the  hut,  and  unbound  iht  lady’s  hands, 
who  returned  him  abundant  thanks  for  his  time  ly  deliverance. 
In  answer  to  his  inquiries,  she  told  him  that  she  was  the  wife 
of  a captain  of  a band  of  Saracens,  who  inhabited  the  sea-coast. 
‘This  wretch,’  continued  she,  ‘was  one  of  his  principal  officers. 
He  fell  desperately  In  love  with  me,  which  he  took  care  to  con- 
ceal, till  an  opportunity  offered  a few  days  ago  to  seize  me  and 
my  child.  To  avoid  pursuit,  he  penetrated  far  into  the  country  ; 
and  though  he  ceased  not  continual  solicitations,  yet  he  never 
offered  me  any  violence  till  this  moment,  when  it  pleased 
Heaven  to  deliver  me  from  him  by  your  means.’ 

“ My  father  said  everything  in  his  power  to  comfort  the 
lady.  The  next  day,  being  fortunately  joined  by  some  of  his 
retinue,  he  conducted  her  and  her  child  to  the  court  of  Derya- 
bar.  He  immediately  sent  a messenger  to  the  country  of  the 
Saracens,  to  acquaint  the  captain  that  his  wife  and  her  son 
were  in  safety.  This  messenger  staying  longer  than  was  ex- 
pected, several  others  were  dispatched  at  different  times  ; but 
none  of  them  ever  returned.  My  father,  therefore,  determined 
to  send  no  more  ; but  to  bring  up  the  boy  with  care,  and  take 
the  lady  under  his  protection  ; with  which  she  was  well  satisfied. 

“That  boy,  that  ungrateful  viper,  was  the  cause  of  all  my 
misfortunes.  As  we  were  near  of  an  age,  and  my  father  always 
showed  great  kindness  to  him,  he  took  it  into  his  head,  when 
he  arrived  at  manhood,  that  his  protector  intended  to  give  me 
to  him  for  a wife.  For  a while  he  waited  in  hope  his  patron 
would  meet  his  wishes  ; during  which  time  he  took  pains  to  in- 
gratiate himself  with  all  ranks  of  people ; and  when  he  found 
that  he  had  formed  to  himself  a considerable  party,  and  that 
ray  father  talked  of  giving  me  to  a neighboring  prince,  he  threw 
off  the  mask,  and  boldly  demanded  my  hand  in  marriage. 

“ My  father,  who  was  now  grown  old,  restrained  his  indig- 
nation at  the  young  man’s  insolence,  amd  contented  himself 
with  giving  him  a flat  denial.  The  vain  fellow  forgot  his  obliga- 
tions to  his  preserver.  He  considered  this  refusal  as  a mortal 
affront,  and  giving  way  to  his  indignation,  he  determined  on 
revenge.  He  put  himself  on  a sudden  at  the  head  of  his 
partisans,  cruelly  murdered  his  venerable  benefactor,  and  caused 
himself  to  be  proclaimed  king  of  Deryabar.  His  next  care  was 
to  have  seized  me  ; but  the  grand  vizier,  a faithful  old  servant, 
finding  it  impossible  to  make  head  aga'  nst  the  usurper,  hurried 
me  from  the  palace  on  board  a ship  that  was  ready  to  sail,  and 
delivered  me  out  of  his  hands. 

“ The  grand  vizier  intended  to  have  carried  me  to  the  court 


248  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

of  the  prince  who  was  to  have  been  my  husband,  not  doubting 
but  he  would  be  easily  excited  to  expel  the  traitor,  and  revenge 
my  father’s  death.  But  Providence  did  not  grant  success  to  a 
resolution  we  thought  so  just.  A violent  storm  drove  our  ship 
about  for  many  days.  At  last  she  bilged  on  a rock.  In  the 
horror  of  my  situation  I lost  my  senses,  and  I can  only  tell  you 
that  when  I recovered,  I found  myself  thrown  on  the  shore,  on 
a part  of  the  wreck.  Every-one  else  on  board,  I have  no  doubt, 
perished  in  the  sea. 

“ In  this  situation  I was  found  by  the  king  of  the  country, 
who  chanced  to  be  riding  that  way.  Every  assistance  was 
given  to  me,  and  when  I had  recovered,  and  related  my  story, 
the  king,  who  was  much  taken  with  me,  frankly  offered  to  make 
me  amends  for  the  throne  I had  lost,  by  sharing  his  own  with  me. 

“ The  king  was  young  and  amiable  ; and  though  my  illness 
and  affliction  had  prevented  my  having  received  any  great  im- 
pression from  him,  gratitude  compelled  me  to  accept  his  offer. 
Preparations  were  making  for  our  nuptials,  when,  in  the  midst 
of  this  joyful  bustle,  a neighboring  prince  made  a descent  by 
night  upon  the  island,  and  threw  everybody  into  confusion. 
The  king  ordered  his  troops  to  be  got  together,  intending  to 
put  himself  at  their  head  ; but  being  anxious  for  my  preserva- 
tion, he  hastened  first  with  me  into  a boat,  intending  to  land 
me  on  a small  island  adjoining,  and  to  return  immediately. 
Unfortunately  the  current  and  the  wind  set  strongly  from  the 
shore,  so  that  in  a short  time  we  were  driven  out  to  sea,  without 
hope  of  recovering  the  island. 

In  this  distress  we  thought  ourselves  fortunate  when  we 
espied  a ship  coming  towards  us  ; but  we  soon  found  our  mis- 
take. The  crew  consisted  of  a dozen  armed  pirates.  They 
bound  the  king  in  .a  chain,  and  then  being  attracted  by  my 
youth  and  beauty,  each  claimed  me  for  himself.  The  dispute 
ran  so  high  that  they  proceeded  to  blows.  They  fought  till 
only  one  remained  alive,  who,  having  thrown  overboard  the 
dead  bodies  of  his  companions,  came  up  to  me  and  said,  ‘You 
are  now  mine  ; be  not  alarmed.  I have  no  design  to  take  any 
liberties  with  your  person,  which  I here  vow  to  hold  sacred.’ 

“ I was  greatly  rejoiced  at  this  unexpected  declaration.  ‘ Ah, 
sir,’  said  I,  ‘ complete  your  generosity  by  unbinding  my  husband 
and  setting  us  on  shore.’  I was  about  to  have  declared  who 
he  was,  but  the  pirate,  rising  hastily,  caught  hold  of  the  prince, 
and  threw  him,  bound  as  he  was,  into  the  sea. 

“ At  this  terrible  event  I swooned  away ; and  when  I re- 
covered would  have  jumped  overboard  after  the  prince,  if  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


249 


pirate  had  not  prevented  me.  He  then  explained  to  me  the 
motive  of  that  promise  which  I had  so  unfortunately  attributed 
to  virtue  and  honor.  ‘ I intend/  said  he,  ‘ to  take  you  to  Cairo, 
and  present  you  to  a great  emir,  my  patron,  to  whom  I have 
long  promised  a beautiful  female  slave.  Have  I not  then  acted 
kindly  by  your  husband  1 would  not  his  affliction  have  been  in- 
supportable to  have  seen  you  in  the  arms  of  my  friend  ? ' 

“ Expostulation  was  in  vain.  I had  only  to  comfort  myself 
that  his  attachment  to  his  patron  secured  me  from  personal 
insult.  We  landed  soon  after ; the  pirate  purchased  camels 
and  slaves,  and  set  off  with  me  for  Cairo. 

“ We  had  been  several  days  on  the  road,  when  yesterday,  as 
we  were  crossing  this  plain,  the  black  giant  whom  you  have  just 
slain,  surprised  us.  Having  destroyed  the  pirate  and  his  slaves, 
he  brought  me  to  his  castle,  and  invited  me  to  receive  his  em- 
braces ; but  finding  me  more  dead  than  alive  from  terror,  he 
desisted  from  his  entreaties,  and  gave  me  till  this  evening  to 
reconcile  myself  to  his  proposals.  Fortunately  for  me,  you, 
gallant  prince,  have  extricated  me  from  a situation  worse  than 
death.’’ 

When  the  princess  had  ended  the  recital  of  her  adventures, 
the  princes  all  joined  in  condoling  her  misfortunes,  and  Coda- 
dad  offered  to  receive  her  as  his  wife.  The  princess  had  not 
seen  him  with  indifference  ; she  accepted  his  proposal ; and  as 
the  palace  of  the  giant  abounded  with  every  necessary,  they 
reposed  themselves  there  for  several  days ; after  which,  they 
set  out  for  the  court  of  Zaphnah. 

When  they  were  within  one  day’s  journey  of  Harran,  and 
had  halted  for  the  evening,  Codadad  called  the  princes  together, 
and  said,  “ I have  too  long  concealed  from  you  who  I am. 
Behold  your  brother  Codadad,  the  son  of  Pirouze  ! ” Having 
said  this,  he  embraced  them  all,  and  each  of  them  expressed 
much  satisfaction  at  the  discovery ; but  very  different  were  the 
sentiments  of  these  unworthy  and  unnatural  brothers.  At  night, 
when  Codadad  and  the  princess  were  retired  to  rest,  they  met 
together,  and  one  of  them  addressing  the  rest,  said,  “ You  re- 
member how  much  our  father  preferred  and  cherished  this 
dangerous  rival  of  ours,  even  while  he  thought  him  a stranger  ; 
what  must  we  expect  now,  when  he  proves  to  be  our  brother  > 
what,  when  he  can  boast  of  having  destroyed  a giant,  whom  all 
of  us  together  were  forced  to  submit  to  ? will  not  the  very  relief 
he  gave  us  become  an  argument  to  prefer  him  before  us  all  ? ” 
These  considerations  had  occurred  to  every  one  of  them. 
They  went  to  the  tent  of  Codadad,  who  was  fast  asleep,  and 


250 


ARABIAN  mGHTS'  ENTBRTAINMEN7B. 


Stabbed  him  in  a thousand  places ; after  which  they  pursued 
their  journey  to  Harran,  where  they  arrived  the  next  day,  and 
were  joyfully  received  by  their  father,  who  had  despaired  of 
ever  seeing  them  again. 

Codadad,  meantime,  lay  in  his  tent  without  any  signs  of  life. 
The  princess  concluded  he  was  dead,  and  rent  the  air  with  her 
cries,  lamenting  the  fate  of  her  husband  and  deliverer ; and 
adjuring  the  vengeance  of  Heaven  on  his  murderers.  After 
much  and  vehement  sorrow,  she  cast  her  eyes  on  Codadad, 
and  perceived  that  he  breathed  a little.  It  was  morning,  and 
she  saw  a large  town  at  a distance.  As  she  had  no  slave,  she 
determined  to  leave  her  husband,  and  hasten  thither  for  assist- 
ance. She  returned  to  the  tent  with  a surgeon  ; but  when  they 
arrived  there  they  could  not  find  Codadad.  They  concluded 
he  had  been  devoured  by  some  wild  beasts.  The  princess  was 
inconsolable.  The  surgeon  took  pity  on  her,  and  conducted 
her  to  his  own  house,  where,  though  he  knew  not  her  rank,  he 
treated  her  with  all  imaginable  respect. 

When  she  was  a little  composed,  she  related  to  her  host  all 
that  had  befallen  her.  When  she  had  finished  herstoiy",  “You 
do  not  well,  madam,’’  said  the  surgeon,  “ to  give  way  thus  to 
an  unavailing  sorrow.  You  owe  more  to  the  memory  of  your 
princely  husband.  It  is  your  duty  to  revenge  him.  Let  me 
attend  you  as  your  squire  to  the  king  of  Harran’s  court ; nor 
fear  but  he  will  do  you  justice,” 

The  princess  of  Deryabar,  roused  by  those  considerations 
from  a torpid  sorrow,  followed  the  advice  of  her  host ; and  at- 
tended by  him,  arrived  at  the  city  of  Harran.  The  surgeon 
lodged  the  princess  in  a caravansera,  and  went  out  to  inquire 
diligently  after  news.  - He  learnt  that  Pirouze,  not  hearing  of 
her  son,  had  left  Samaria,  and  come  to  Harran  in  search  of 
him.  That  the  king,  before  her  arrival,  had  concluded  that 
Codadad  had  fled  to  some  other  country,  to  escape  his  resent- 
ment ; but  when  he  knew  from  Pirouze  that  the  gallant  and  ac- 
complished stranger  was  his  other  son,  he  had  caused  diligent 
inquiry  to  be  made  after  him  in  all  the  adjoining  kingdoms ; 
and  had  ordered  public  prayers  to  be  put  up  in  all  the  mosques, 
for  the  safe  and  speedy  return  of  his  son. 

Pirouze  regularly  attended  these  devotions,  and  gave  alms 
at  the  principal  mosque.  The  surgeon,  having  become  ac- 
quainted with  these  particulars,  went  the  next  day  to  the 
mosque ; and  stepping  up  to  one  of  her  slaves,  he  whispered, 
“ Brother,  I have  a secret  of  moment  to  impart  to  the  Princess 
Pirouze ; may  not  I by  your  assistance  be  brought  to  her  apart- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


251 

ment  ? The  slave  no  sooner  learnt  that  this  secret  related  to 
Codadad,  than  he  entreated  the  surgeon  to  return  with  him  to 
the  palace ; and  as  soon  as  they  arrived  there,  he  introduced 
him  to  Pirouze.  He  related  to  her  everything  he  had  been  told 
by  the  princess  of  Deryabar,  and  told  her  where  that  lady  was 
to  be  found.  When  the  surgeon  was  withdrawn,  Pirouze  and 
her  attendants  resigned  themselves  to  grief  for  the  unhappy 
fate  of  Codadad.  In  the  midst  of  this  distress  Zaphnah  en- 
tered her  apartments.  Pirouze,  with  many  lamentations,  re- 
peated the  surgeon’s  account.  It  was  too  circumstantial  for  the 
king  to  doubt  its  truth.  Having  condoled  with  the  unhappy 
mother  on  their  mutual  loss,  he  withdrew,  not  more  oppressed 
with  sorrow  than  shaken  with  indignation. 

It  was  the  hour  of  public  audience.  Zaphnah  entered  the 
council-chamber  with  so  much  anger  in  his  countenance,  that 
the  courtiers  and  people  who  attended  him  with  petitions,  were 
alarmed.  Every  man’s  heart  failed  him  for  fear.  Having  as- 
cended the  throne,  the  king  called  for  the  grand  vizier.  ‘‘  Take,” 
said  he,  “ this  instant,  a thousand  of  my  guards,  and  seize  all 
the  princes,  my  sons  ; shut  them  up  in  the  tower  appointed  for 
murderers  ; see  that  not  one  of  them  escape.”  All  who  were 
present  trembled  at  this  strange  command.  The  vizier  laid  his 
hand  upon  his  head  to  express  his  obedience,  and  withdrew  to 
execute  his  orders.  The  king  then  dismissed  the  assembly 
with  a declaration  that  he  would  do  no  business  for  a month  to 
come. 

The  grand  vizier  having  secured  the  princes,  was  directed 
by  his  master  to  conduct  the  princess  of  Deryabar  and  her 
squire  to  the  palace  ; and  at  the  same  time  to  proclaim  who 
she  was,  and  in  what  manner  his  sons  had  incurred  his  dis- 
pleasure. The  princess  and  her  attendants  were  led  to  court, 
amidst  the  acclamations  of  the  people,  by  whom  Codadad  was 
much  beloved,  while  every  one  uttered  execrations  against  the 
envious  and  ungrateful  brothers  who  had  treated  him  so 
cruelly. 

When  the  princess  of  Deryabar  had  been  introduced  to 
Zaphnah  and  Pirouze,  and  had  received  their  embraces,  she  de- 
manded of  the  king  justice  on  the  murderers  of  her  husband. 
“ Yes,  madam,”  replied  he,  those  unnatural  vipers  shall  suffer 
as  they  deserve  ; though,  by  that  stroke  of  justice,  I must  again 
become  childless.  Unfortunate  Codadad ! ” continued  the 
wretched  father,  “we  have  not  thy  remains,  yet  we  will  not 
omit  paying  thee  the  last  duties  ; at  the  close  of  which,  those 
mensters  shall  atone  for  their  guilt  by  forfeiting  their  lives.” 


2^2 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


The  king  gave  orders  for  a dome  of  white  marble  to  be 
erected  without  the  city,  and  every  preparation  to  be  made  for 
celebrating  the  obsequies  of  Codadad  in  the  most  honorable 
manner.  A figure  resembling  the  prince  was  placed  in  it,  and 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  went  out  to  assist  at  the  ceremony. 
The  king,  his  vizier,  and  the  principal  persons  of  the  court,  en 
tered  the  dome,  and  sat  down  on  carpets  made  of  black  salin 
with  gold  borders.  A great  body  of  guards,  hanging  their 
heads,  and  looking  down,  drew  up  about  the  building,  and 
marched  round  it  thrice,  observing  a profound  silence ; at  the 
third  round  they  halted  before  the  door ; and  all  of  them,  with 
a loud  voice,  cried  out,  “ O prince,  son  of  the  king  ! could  we 
by  the  power  of  the  sword  and  human  valor,  any  way  retrieve 
your  misfortune,  we  would  bring  you  back  to  life.  But  the 
King  of  kings  hath  commanded  ; and  the  angel  of  death  hath 
obeyed.’’  Having  uttered  these  words,  they  drew  off,  and  made 
way  for  a hundred  old  men  ; all  of  them  mounted  on  black 
mules,  and  wearing  long  gray  beards. 

These  were  anchorites,  who  had  lived  all  their  days  con- 
cealed in  caves.  They  never  appeared  in  the  sight  of  the 
world  but  when  they  were  to  assist  at  the  obsequies  of  the  kings 
of  Harran,  or  of  princes  of  their  family.  Each  of  these  vener- 
able persons  carried  a book  on  his  head,  which  he  held  with 
one  hand.  They  took  three  turns  round  the  dome,  and  then 
stopping  before  the  door,  one  of  them  said,  ‘‘  O prince,  what 
can  we  do  for  you  ? If  you  could  be  restored  to  life  by  prayers 
or  learning,  we  would  rub  our  gray  beards  at  thy  feet,  and  re- 
cite prayers  ; but  the  King  of  the  universe  hath  taken  you  away 
forever.” 

The  old  men  withdrew  to  a distance  from  the  dome,  and 
fifty  beautiful  maids  approached  it ; each  of  them  mounted  on 
a little  white  horse.  They  wore  no  veils,  and  carried  gold 
baskets,  full  of  all  sorts  of  precious  stones.  They  also  rode 
three  times  round  the  dome  ; and  halting  at  the  same  place  as 
the  others  had  done,  the  youngest  of  them  spoke  in  the  name  of 
the  rest,  “ O prince,  once  so  beautiful ! what  relief  can  you  ex- 
pect from  us  ? If  we  could  restore  you  to  life  by  our  charms, 
we  would  become  your  slaves  ; but  you  are  no  longer  sensible 
to  beauty,  and  have  no  more  occasion  for  us.” 

When  the  young  maids  were  withdrawn,  the  king  and  his 
courtiers  arose  ; and  having  walked  three  times  round  the 
figure  resembling  Codadad,  the  king  spake  as  follows  : O my 
dear  son  ! light  of  my  eyes  ! I have  then  lost  you  forever  ! ” 
These  words  were  accompanied  with  many  sighs  and  tears,  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAmMENTS. 


253 


courtiers  joining  their  master  in  paying  thisi  tribute  to  the 
prince.  The  gate  of  the  tomb  was  then  shut,  and  all  the  peo- 
ple returned  to  the  city. 

Suitable  public  prayers  were  repeated  in  all  the  mosques 
for  eight  days  successively  ; on  the  ninth  the  king,  had  ordered 
the  princes,  his  sons,  to  be  beheaded ; the  scaffold  was  ready, 
but  the  execution  was  stopped  by  news  arriving  that  some 
neighboring  princes,  who  had  before  made  war  against  the  king 
of  Harran,  were  approaching  the  capital  at  the  head  of  a nu- 
merous army.  The  king  mustered  his  troops,  and  marched  out 
of  the  city,  prepared  to  receive  his  enemies. 

On  their  approach,  the  citizens  of  Harran  attacked  them, 
and  a desperate  battle  ensued.  Victory,  long  doubtful,  seemed 
at  last  to  incline  to  the  invaders,  when  a large  body  of  horse 
appeared  in  the  plain  in  good  order,  and  drew  near  the  two 
armies.  Each  party  were  alarmed,  dreading  a new  enemy  ; but 
the  matter  was  soon  out  of  doubt ; the  horsemen  fell  upon  the 
flank  of  the  king  of  Harran^s  opponents,  and  gave  them  so 
furious  a charge,  that  they  decided  the  fortune  of  the  day ; a 
total  rout  ensued,  in  which  the  greater  part  of  the  invaders 
were  put  to  the  sword. 

The  king  of  Harran  had  much  admired  the  gallantry  of 
these  unexpected  allies,  and  the  skill  and  intrepidity  of  their 
leader ; and  the  battle  being  over,  he  hastened  to  thank  them. 
The  hero  proved  to  be  Codadad.  Zaphnah  became  motionless 
with  surprise  and  joy.  When  he  recovered,  he  flew  to  the  arms 
of  his  son,  who  received  and  returned  his  embrace  with  duty 
and  affection. 

Zaphnah  left  the  army  to  the  care  of  the  grand  vizier,  and 
went  immediately  with  his  son  to  the  palace ; he  there  intro- 
duced to  him  Pirouze  and  the  princess  of  Deryabar ; the  joy 
of  those  illustrious  persons,  so  dear  to  each  other,  may  be  bet- 
ter imagined  than  expressed. 

Codadad  told  them  that  a peasant  mounted  on  a mule  hap- 
pening to  pass  by  the  tent,  and  seeing  him  alone,  wounded  and 
senseless,  had  conveyed  him  to  his  house  ; where,  by  the  appli- 
cation of  certain  herbs  chewed,  he  recovered  him.  “ Finding 
myself  well,’^  continued  he,  “ I resolved  to  search  everywhere 
for  my  beloved  princess ; but  as  I heard  of  the  attack  which 
was  meditating  against  my.  royal  father,  I determined  first  to 
assist  him.  I made  myself  known  to  the  villagers,  and  having 
diligently  trained  a body  of  them  to  arms,  I had  the  good  for- 
tune to  arrive  with  them  at  a time  they  were  singularly  useful.’’ 

When  he  had  finished  his  narrative,  the  king  said,  “ Let  us 


254 


ARABTAJV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


be  thankful  to  Heaven  for  this  happy  and  unexpected  meeting  ; 
but  it  shall  not  prevent  the  just  punishment  of  those  traitors 
who  meant  to  have  destroyed  their  brother  and  deliverer  ; their 
intentions  were  not  less  wicked  because  they  failed  in  the  exe- 
cution of  them,  nor  shall  their  punishment  be  less  severe.’’ 

‘‘  Sir,”  replied  the  generous  Codadad,  “ though  they  little 
deserve  that  honor,  yet  they  are  your  own  flesh  and  blood  ; 
they  are  my  brothers  ; they  have  been  sufficiently  punished  for 
their  offence ; I forgive  them,  and  I entreat  your  majesty  to 
pardon  them  also.” 

Pirouze  and  the  princess  of  Deryabar  joined  in  this  request. 
The  king  was  highly  pleased  with  their  generosity ; he  caused 
the  people  to  be  assembled,  and  ordered  the  princes  to  be 
brought  out,  loaded  with  chains,  and  expecting  immediate 
death.  The  king,  before  them  all,  caused  Codadad  to  be  pro- 
claimed his  heir,  and  added,  that  at  his  intercession,  pardon  was 
extended  to  the  unworthy  princes.  The  people  loudly  applauded 
the  noble  behavior  of  Codadad,  who  himself  released  the  pris- 
oners from  their  fetters,  and  embraced  them  with  much  af- 
ection. 

On  his  return  to  the  palace  he  amply  rewarded  the  surgeon 
who  had  so  faithfully  served  the  princess  of  Deryabar.  Zaphnah 
and  Pirouze  passed  the  rest  of  their  days  very  happily  with  that 
princess  and  their  beloved  Codadad. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  SLEEPER  AWAKENED,  OR  THE  DEAD 

ALIVE. 

Abon  Hassan  was  the  son  of  Selim,  a wealthy  and  penurious 
citizen  of  Bagdad,  who,  though  he  was  possessed  of  a good 
estate,  and  had  gained  great  wealth  by  many  years’  successf;:' 
tftiflic,  yet  he  scarcely  allowed  his  family  necessaries.  When 
the  young  man  grew  up,  he  had  a turn  for  gayety  ; but  the  ex- 
treme avarice  of  his  father  not  only  denied  him  the  usual  amuse- 
ments of  youth,  but  gave  him  no  respite  from  labor ; making 
no  difference  between  him  and  his  meanest  slave. 

The  death  of  the  merchant  put  an  end  to  this  restraint  on 
Abon  Hassan.  He  found  himself  heir  to  a plentiful  fortune  ; 
and  he  resolved  to  make  himself  amends  for  the  severe  dis- 
cipline he  had  undergone  ; but  before  he  began  his  career,  he 
showed  a good  understanding  and  a good  heart ; he  settled  a 
proper  provision  on  his  mother,  and  dividing  his  wealth  into 
equal  parts,  with  the  one  part  he  increased  his  patrimony ; this 


ARABIAN  /\rrGHTS^  ENTERTAmMENTS. 


2S5 

he  determined  never  to  break  in  upon  ; the  remainder  he  de^ 
voted  to  enjoyment. 

To  obtain  this,  he  sought  the  company  of  young  men  of  the 
first  distinction  in  Bagdad.  As  he  was  known  to  be  wealthy, 
he  easily  became  intimate  with  such  of  them  as  were  noted  for 
their  debauchery.  To  these  he  gave  the  most  costly  entertain- 
ments. The  profusion  of  his  table,  his  magnificent  balls  and 
concerts,  would  have  dissipated  a royal  revenue  ; and  he  found 
the  wealth  he  had  set  apart  for  a life  of  prodigality,  was  dis- 
persed before  a single  year  had  passed  away. 

Abon  Hassan  was  astonished  at  the  report  of  his  steward, 
that  so  large  a part  of  his  fortune  was  exhausted.  He  renewed 
immediately  his  resolution  to  keep  his  patrimony  unimpaired, 
nor  even  to  break  in  upon  the  im])rovement  he  had  made  to  it. 
He  gave  no  more  magnificent  entertainments  ; he  sold  off  his 
useless  slaves  and  splendid  furniture,  and  prepared  to  regulate 
his  expenses  by  his  remaining  income.  But  while  this  was  do- 
ing, he  felt  the  force  of  youthful  attachment  to  many  of  his  com- 
panions, and  was  amazed  and  chagrined  to  find  that  they  all 
avoided  him.  The  news  of  his  ruin  had  spread  abroad  ; his 
prudent  reserve  no  one  knew  of.  All  his  gay  friends,  therefore, 
treated  him  with  contempt ; and  when,  to  try  them  still  further, 
he  attempted  to  borrow  a supply  of  them,  many  insulted  him,  all 
refused  him. 

Irritated  with  this  ungenerous  behavior,  he  renounced  them 
in  his  turn.  He  retired  to  the  house  of  his  father,  where  his 
mother  still  dwelt,  and  began  a new  course  of  life.  As  he  had 
enough  left  to  entertain  a guest  handsomely,  and  was  fond  of 
society,  he  every  day  provided  what  he  thought  necessary  for 
that  purpose  ; and  in  the  evening  he  went  and  sat  on  Bagdad 
bridge,  where,  as  soon  as  he  saw  any  stranger  arrive,  whose  ap- 
pearance pleased  him,  he  accosted  him  respectfully,  and  invited 
him  to  sup  and  lodge  with  him  for  that  night. 

Abon  Hassan,  on  these  occasions,  failed  not  to  acquaint  his 
guest  with  an  oath  he  had  taken  ; which  was,  never  to  give  an 
entertainment  to  an  inhabitant  of  Bagdad  ; never  to  invite  any 
man  a second  time,  or  keep  up  any  kind  of  acquaintance  with 
any  of  his  guests  after  their  parting.  This  premised,  he  used 
to  conduct  the  stranger  home  ; regale  him  with  a good  supper, 
and  lodge  him  comfortably.  In  the  morning  he  always  said  to 
him,  “ God  preserve  you  from  all  sorrow ! when  I invited  you 
hither  yesterday,  I acquainted  you  with  my  oath  ; I hope,  there- 
fore, you  will  not  take  it  ill,  if  I bid  you  farewell ; and  may  God 
conduct  ycu.^' 


256  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

On  these  terms  he  chanced  one  evening  to  engage  a stran- 
ger of  respectable  appearance,  whom  he  supposed  to  be  a mer- 
chant of  Moussol ; but  who  in  reality  was  the  caliph,  Haroun 
Alraschid ; who,  in  that  disguise,  was  taking  one  of  his  custom- 
ary surveys  of  the  city.  The  invitation  was  so  singular,  that  it 
excited  the  caliph’s  curiosity,  and  he  readily  accepted  it.  Abon 
Hassan  conducted  him  home,  placed  him  at  the  upper  end  of 
his  table,  and  sat  down  over  against  him.  A handsome  supper 
and  dessert  were  served  up,  and  they  ate  of  what  they  liked  best, 
without  speaking  or  drinking,  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
country. 

When  they  had  done  eating,  Abon  Hassan  filled  out  a glass 
of  wine,  and  said  to  his  guest,  laughing,  “You  know,  sir,  the 
cock  never  drinks  before  he  calls  to  his  hens  to  come  and  drink 
with  him,  so  I invite  you  to  follow  my  example.  I cannot  reckon 
him  a wise  man  who  does  not  love  a cheerful  glass.”  “ I am 
quite  of  your  opinion,”  replied  the  caliph,  taking  a bumper, 
“ and  am  sure  you  are  an  honest  fellew  ; fill  away ; you  shall 
find  I am  ready  to  partake  with  you.” 

They  grew  merry  over  their  cups.  Abon  Hassan  being  of  a 
lively  disposition,  entertained  his  guest  with  a thousand  brilliant 
sallies.  At  his  request  he  explained  the  cause  of  the  vow  he 
had  made  to  receive  only  strangers,  and  no  man  a second  time ; 
and  related,  with  much  humor,  the  story  of  his  own  extravagance, 
and  the  ill  behavior  of  his  former  companions. 

The  caliph  was  delighted  with  the  wit  of  his  host,  and  re- 
spected his  understanding.  When  it  grew  time  to  retire,  he  said 
to  him  : “ I regret  exceedingly  the  oath  you  have  taken,  as  it  de- 
prives me  of  all  hopes  of  being  better  known  to  you ; but  yet  1 
wish  to  show  you  how  sensible  I am  of  your  hospitality.  It  is 
more  in  my  power  to  serve  ycu,  than  you  are  aware  of.  Speak 
freely,  and  tell  me  what  you  would  wish  for,  if  you  were  sure  of 
obtaining  your  desires.” 

Abon  Hassan,  who  was  a little  elevated  with  the  liquor  he 
had  drunk,  replied  briskly,  “ I thank  you  for  your  offers  of  ser- 
vice, but,  in  truth,  have  no  desires  that  you  can  gratify.  My 
fortune  is  sufficient ; I have  no  ambition,  unless,  indeed,  you 
could  make  me  caliph  for  four-and-twenty  hours.”  “ And  why,” 
interrupted  Haroun,  eagerly,  “ should  you  desire  that  honor  for 
so  short  a time  1 ” “ It  would  be  long  enough,”  replied  Abon 

Hassan,  “ to  answer  all  my  wishes.  The  town  of  Bagdad  is  di- 
vided into  various  districts,  in  each  of  which  there  is  a mosque, 
and  an  imam  belonging  to  it  to  read  prayers.  The  im.am  of 
the  division  I live  in,  is  an  old  man  of  austere  countenance,  and 


ARABIAN  MIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


257 


the  greatest  hypocrite  in  the  world.  This  man  and  four  old 
fellows  of  the  neighborhood,  who  are  people  of  the  same  dis- 
position, meet  every  day  at  the  imam’s  house  ; where  they  vent 
their  malice  against  me  and  the  whole  district,  to  the  great 
disturbance  of  the  neighbors,  and  the  promotion  of  perpetual 
dissensions.  Instead  of  minding  their  Alkoran,  and  being  at 
peace  with  all  men,  they  threaten  some,  abuse  others,  and  wish 
to  domineer  over  everybody.  Were  I caliph  for  one  day  only, 
I would  remove  this  nuisance  ; for  I would  order  each  of  the 
old  men  a hundred  bastinadoes,  and  the  good  imam  four  times 
as  many,  that  they  might  learn  no  more  to  abuse  and  disturb 
their  neighbors.” 

The  caliph  laughed  heartily  at  his  host’s  narrative,  and 
immediately  conceived  the  idea  of  a whimsical  adventure. 
Abon  Hassan  renewing  the  conversation,  observed  that  it  grew 
late.  ‘‘  Let  us  finish  the  bottle,”  said  he,  “ and  I will  bid  you 
farewell  to-night ; only  let  me  request  of  you,  if  you  rise  before 
me,  that  you  will  shut  the  door  when  you  go  out  in  the  morn- 
ing.” This  the  caliph  promised  ; and  taking  hold  of  the  bot- 
tle said,  You  have  been  so  obliging  as  to  fill  for  me  the  whole 
night,  permit  me  to  pour  out  the  last  glass,  and  drink  to  your 
repose.”  He  then  dexterously  conveyed  a little  powder  into 
Abon  Hassan’s  glass,  and  handed  it  to  him ; who,  being  much 
pleased  with  the  politeness  of  his  guest,  drank  it,  and  had  scarce 
time  to  set  the  glass  on  the  table,  before  he  fell  into  a profound 
sleep. 

The  caliph  ordered  the  slave  who  attended  him  to  take 
Abon  Hassan  on  his  back,  and  convey  him  to  the  palace,  where 
he  caused  him  to  be  undressed,  and  laid  in  the  royal  bed.  He 
directed  Giafar  to  attend  the  sleeper  in  the  morning,  and 
salute  him  as  commander  of  the  Faithful ; and  to  take  care 
that  all  the  emirs  and  courtiers,  as  well  as  the  attendants,  should 
address  him  with  the  usual  ceremonies  which  were  observed  to 
himself. 

Early  in  the  morning  the  caliph  took  possession  of  a little 
closet,  whence  he  could  see  all  that  passed  ; impatient  to  enjoy 
the  surprise  of  Abon  Hassan,  and  see  how  he  would  support 
his  imaginary  dignity. 

At  daybreak  all  the  officers  and  ladies,  whose  duty  it  was 
to  attend  the  rising  of  the  caliph,  took  their  places  with  great 
silence.  One  of  them  putting  a sponge  steeped  in  vinegar  to 
Abon  Hassan’s  nose,  he  sneezed  heartily,  which  awakened  him.. 
On  opening  his  eyes,  he  found  that  he  was  in  a magnificent 
room,  surrounded  by  a great  many  young  and  handsome  ladies, 


258  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

and  black  eunuchs  richly  clothed,  all  standing  with  great  modesty 
and  respect.  Casting  his  eyes  on  the  quilt  of  the  bed,  he  per- 
ceived it  was  cloth  of  gold  richly  ornamented  with  pearls  and 
diamonds ; and  that  there  was  laid  by  the  bed  a very  rich  habit 
and  a caliph’s  turban. 

At  the  sight  of  all  these  splendid  objects,  Abon  Hassan  was 
in  the  utmost  confusion  and  amazement.  “ So,”  said  he  to 
himself,  “ 1 am  caliph  ! but,”  added  he,  after  a moment’s  pause, 
“ ’tis  only  a dream  ; the  effect  of  the  wish  I made  last  night.” 
Saying  this,  he  turned  himself  about  to  sleep  again,  when  one 
of  the  eunuchs  approached  the  be  1,  and  said  very  respectfully, 
“ Commander  of  the  Faithful,  ’tis  time  for  your  majesty  to  rise 
to  prayers  ; the  morning  begins  to  advance.” 

The  astonishment  of  Abon  Hassan  was  inexpressible.  ‘‘  Is 
it  possible  I am  awake  ? ” said  he  to  himself.  “ Oh,  certainly, 
I am  asleep,”  continued  he,  shutting  his  eyes  again,  ‘‘  there  is 
no  reason  to  doubt  it.” 

The  eunuch  finding  Abon  Hassan  did  not  rise,  said  again, 
‘‘  Your  majesty  will,  I hope,  permit  me  to  tell  you,  that  it  is 
time  to  attend  morning  prayer,  which  you  never  neglect  ; the 
sun  is  just  rising.”  ‘‘  I am  mistaken,”  thought  Abon  Hassan, 
‘‘  I am  awake.  Those  that  sleep  do  not  hear  thus  distinctly.” 
Then  opening  his  eyes,  and  sitting  up  in  his  bed,  he  seemed  over- 
joyed at  his  promotion,  to  the  great  entertainment  of  the  caliph, 
who  guessed  very  exactly  what  his  thoughts  were. 

When  Abon  Hassan  began  to  arise,  all  the  ladies  of  the 
palace  prostrated  themselves  before  him,  with  their  faces  to 
the  ground ; they  then  saluted  him  with  a delightful  serenade, 
with  which  he  was  so  ravished,  that  he  was  in  perfect  ecstasy. 
But  recovering  his  first  idea,  he  again  doubted  if  it  was  not  a 
dream  ; he  clapped  his  hands  before  his  eyes,  lov/ered  his  head, 
and  again  said  to  himself,  “ What  can  all  this  mean  1 Where 
am  I 'I  Who  are  these  ladies  and  attendants  t How  shall  I 
possibly  distinguish  that  I am  awake,  and  in  my  right  senses  ” 

While  these  thoughts  were  passing  in  his  mind,  Mesrour, 
the  chief  of  the  eunuchs,  came  in,  and  having  paid  the  proper 
compliments,  said,  ‘‘  Commander  of  the  Faithful,  the  time  of 
prayer  is  over ; all  your  generals,  governors,  and  officers  of 
state,  wait  your  royal  presence  in  the  council-hall.  Will  your 
majesty  be  pleased  to  ascend  your  throne  as  usual  ? ” 

Abon  Flassan  was  convinced  now  that  he  was  awake,  but 
he  was  also  still  more  embarrassed.  After  a pause,  he  looked 
earnestly  at  Mesrour,  and  said,  “ Who  is  it  that  you  speak  to, 
and  call  commander  of  the  Faithful } I don’t  know  you,  and 
yuu  mi 'r, take  me  for  somebody  else.’' 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


259 


Mesrour  affected  an  air  of  astonishment,  and  replied,  My 
worthy  lord  and  master,  you  only  speak  thus  to  jeer  me.  Is 
not  your  majesty  commander  of  the  Faithful,  monarch  of  the 
world,  and  the  prophet’s  vicar  on  earth  ? Mesrour,  your  faithful 
slave,  who  has  had  the  honor  and  happiness  to  serve  you 
so  many  years,  cannot  forget  or  mistake  you.  Some  trouble, 
some  dream,  must  have  disturbed  your  majesty’s  imagination.” 

Abon  Flassan  burst  out  a-laughing  at  these  words  of  Mes- 
rour. When  he  had  recovered  himself,  seeing  a little  black 
eunuch,  he  beckoned  him,  and  said,  “ Hark  ye,  child  : tell  me 
who  I am.”  Sir,”  answered  the  little  boy,  modestly,  ‘‘your 
majesty  is  commander  of  the  true  believers,  and  the  prophet’s 
vicar  on  earth.”  “You  are  a liar,  sooty-face,”  said  Abon 
Hassan.  He  then  called  the  lady  who  stood  nearest  him,  say- 
ing, come  hither,  fair  one,  and  bite  the  end  of  my  finger,  that 
I may  know  whether  I am  awake  or  not.” 

The  lady,  who  knew  the  caliph  saw  all  that  passed,  was 
overjoyed  at  being  thus  called  upon  to  contribute  to  his  amuse- 
ment ; going,  therefore,  with  a grave  face  to  Abon  Hassan, 
she  put  his  finger  into  her  mouth,  and  clenched  it  so  hard 
between  her  teeth  that  he  roared  aloud,  and  with  difficulty 
pulled  it  away  from  her.  When  the  pain  was  a little  abated, 
he  said,  “ You  have  convinced  me  that  I am  not  asleep  ; but 
how  is  it  possible  that  I can  have  become  caliph  in  one  night  ? 
I adjure  you,  therefore,  to  tell  me  the  truth.”  “ It  is  so  true,” 
replied  the  lady,  “ that  we,  your  slaves,  are  amazed  to  hear 
you  doubt  it  ” “ Ah,  you  are  a deceiver,”  replied  Abon  Hassan  ; 

“ I know  very  well  who  I am.” 

Mesrour  assisted  his  new  master  to  rise  ; and  as  soon  as 
he  set  his  feet  on  the  floor,  the  whole  company  of  ladies  and 
officers  cried  out  together,  “ God  preserve  your  majesty,  and 
give  you  a good  day  ! ” Mesrour  then  arrayed  him  in  the  royal 
robes,  and  conducted  him  through  rows  of  prostrate  courtiers 
to  the  council-chamber,  where  he  mounted  the  throne  of  Per- 
sia, which  he  filled  with  all  the  gravity  imaginable. 

The  grand  vizier  Giafar,  and  the  judge  of  the  police  (both 
of  whom  he  knew  by  having  often  seen  them  in  their  offices), 
first  bowed  themselves  down  before  him,  and  paid  him  the  salu- 
tation of  the  morning  After  which  all  the  emirs,  as  they  were 
admitted  to  their  seats,  went  to  the  foot  of  the  throne,  and  hav- 
ing laid  their  heads  on  the  carpet,  they  saluted  him  on  their 
knees,  as  commander  of  the  Faithful,  and  the  prophet’s  vicar  on 
earth. 

Although  Abon  Hassan  had  before  been  elevated  with  his 


26o 


ARABIAN’  mCHTS^  ENTER TA/NMEATTS:. 


advancement,  his  recollection  forbade  him  to  believe  it.  But 
when  he  found  himself  thus  received  by  the  grand  vizier,  and 
all  the  great  men  about  the  court,  he  could  no  longer  doubt 
but  he  was  caliph,  though  he  could  noways  account  for  his 
having  become  so.  Dismissing,  therefore,  for  the  present,  all 
thought  upon  the  subject,  he  prepared  to  enjoy  his  good  for- 
tune, and  exercise  his  sovereignty.  He  beckoned  the  judge  of 
the  police  to  him,  and  directed. him  to  go  to  such  a division  of 
the  city,  to  seize  the  imam  of  the  mosque  and  four  old  men, 
whom  he  described ; to  give  each  of  the  latter  a hundred  bas- 
tinadoes, and  the  imam  four  hundred.  ‘‘  This  done,’’  continued 
he,  ‘‘  mount  them  on  five  camels,  with  their  faces  to  the  tails, 
lead  them  through  the  whole  city,  and  let  a crier  proclaim  before 
them,  ‘ This  is  the  punishment  of  busybodies  and  mischief- 
makers ! ’ You  may  then  dismiss  them,  with  orders  never  to 
return  to  that  district  on  pain  of  death.” 

The  judge  of  the  police  withdrew  ; and  the  grand  vizier 
approached  the  throne,  and  made  his  report  of  affairs.  Abon 
Hassan  heard  him  with  dignity  and  attention.  He  issued  out 
orders  without  embarrassment,  and  gave  judgment  in  several 
cases  with  great  ability.  The  caliph  saw  and  admired  this  part 
of  his  conduct,  which  raised  him  highly  in  his  esteem.  The 
judge  of  the  police  returning,  presented  his  new  sovereign  an 
instrument,  signed  by  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  division, 
attesting  the  punishment  having  been  inflicted  on  the  five  delin- 
quents. Abon  Hassan  read  over  the  names  of  the  witnesses 
(who  were  all  people  that  he  knew  very  well)  with  great  satis- 
faction. “ These  old  hypocrites,”  said  he  to  himself,  who 
were  ever  censuring  my  actions,  and  finding  fault  with  my 
entertaining  honest  people,-  have  at  last  received  the  punish- 
ment they  deserved.” 

When  the  time  of  audience  was  nearly  over,  the  new  caliph 
directed  the  vizier  to  take  a thousand  pieces  of  gold  and  carry 
them  to  the  mother  of  Abon  Hassan,  who  was  generally  called 
the  debauchee,  and  lived  in  the  same  district  where  the  judge 
of  the  police  had  been  sent  to.  Giafar  obeyed,  and,  on  his 
return,  Abon  Hassan  arose,  and  dismissing  the  audience,  de- 
scended the  throne,  and  was  conducted  by  Mesrour  into  an 
adjoining  apartment. 

He  was  much  delighted  on  entering  the  splendid  hall  to 
which  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs  led  him.  The  paintings  were 
exquisite  ; and  there  appeared  everywhere  the  greatest  pro- 
fusion of  wealth  ; seven  bands  of  music,  placed  in  different 
galleries,  struck  up  a grand  concert  at  his  entrance.  In  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  261 

middle  of  the  room  there  was  a tabic  set  out  with  golden  dishes 
and  plates  containing  all  manner  of  rarities.  Seven  young 
and  beautiful  ladies,  richly  dressed,  stood  around  this  table, 
each  ready  to  fan  the  supposed  caliph  while  at  dinner. 

Abon  Hassan  surveyed  all  these  things  with  the  utmost 
pleasure  ; his  countenance  strongly  expressed  his  joy ; yet  there 
was  a mixture  of  wonder  and  doubt  which  occasionally  appeared 
in  his  behavior.  “ If  this  is  a dream,”  said  he  to  himself,  ‘‘  it 
is  a long  one.  But  surely,”  continued  he,  it  is  not  a dream  ; I 
can  see,  hear,  feel,  walk,  and  argue  reasonably.  I am  certainly 
the  commander  of  the  Faithful ; who  else  could  live  in  this 
splendor  ? Besides,  the  respect  I receive,  and  the  obedience 
paid  to  my  commands,  are  sufficient  proofs.”  He  then  sat 
down  to  table  ; and  the  seven  ladies  standing  about  him 
began  to  fan  him.  He  looked  at  them  with  admiration,  and 
smilingly  told  them,  that  one  fan  was  enough  to  cool  him,  and 
he  would  have  the  other  six  ladies  sit  down  to  table  with  him, 
that  whenever  he  turned  his  eyes,  he  might  behold  such  lovely 
objects. 

The  ladies  obeyed  ; but  Abon  Hassan  perceiving  that  out 
of  respect  they  did  not  eat,  helped  them  himself,  and  urged 
them  in  the  most  obliging  terms.  When  they  had  dined,  he 
asked  their  names,  which  they  told  him  were  White  Neck,  Coral 
Lips,  Fair  Face,  Sunshine,  HearFs  Delight,  Sweet  Looks,  and 
Sugar  Cane.  To  every  lady  he  returned  handsome  compliments 
wittily  adapted  to  her  name. 

After  dinner,  the  eunuchs  brought  perfumed  water  in  a 
golden  bowl ; and  when  Abon  Hassan  had  washed,  Mesrour, 
who  never  left  him,  conducted  him  to  another  hall,  where  he 
was  received  by  seven  ladies  more  beautiful  than  the  former. 
Seven  other  bands  began  a new  concert,  while  the  imaginary 
caliph  took  part  of  a rich  dessert  of  sweetmeats  and  the  choicest 
fruits.  This  over,  he  was  led  to  a third  hall  more  magnificent 
than  the  other  two ; it  was  lighted  up  with  a profusion  of  wax- 
lights  in  golden  branches ; and  he  was  received  here  by  seven 
other  ladies,  of  still  superior  beauty,  who  conducted  him  to  a 
table  set  out  with  large  silver  flagons  full  of  the  choicest  wines, 
and  crystal  glasses  placed  by  them. 

Till  this  time,  Abon  Hassan  had  drunk  nothing  but  water, 
agreeable  to  the  custom  of  Bagdad,  where  from  the  highest  to 
the  lowest  they  never  drink  anything  strong  till  evening  ; it  be- 
ing accounted  scandalous  in  the  highest  degree  for  any  one  to 
be  drunk  in  the  daytime.  When  he  placed  himself  at  the  table, 
he  desired  the  seven  ladies  to  sit  down  with  him ; and  having 


262 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


asked  their  names,  which  were  Cluster  of  Pearls,  Morning  Star, 
Chain  of  Hearts,  Daylight,  Bright  Eyes,  Fine  Shape,  and  Silver 
Tongue,  he  called  upon  each  in  turn  to  bring  him  a glass  of 
wine,  and  as  each  lady  presented  it,  he  said  a variety  of  witty 
and  gallant  things  to  her. 

As  the  wine  began  to  elevate  the  supposed  caliph,  he  became 
amorous  ; which  Cluster  of  Pearls  perceiving,  she  went  to  the 
beaufet,  and  putting  a little  of  the  sleepy  powder  into  a goblet, 
she  filled  it  with  wine  ; she  then  presented  it  in  a most  be- 
witching manner  to  Abon  Hassan,  requesting  him  to  drink  it 
when  she  had  sung  a song  which  she  had  made  that  day.  Has- 
san consented ; and  the  lady  sang  with  so  much  grace  and 
spirit,  that  he  resolved  to  prefer  her  to  her  companions.  He 
received  the  goblet  from  her  hand,  and  drank  ; but  before  he 
could  take  it  from  his  mouth,  he  fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  the 
attendants.  They  then  put  his  own  clothes  on  him  ; and  the 
slave  who  brought  him  thither,  carried  him  back,  and  laid  him 
on  his  own  sofa. 

It  was  late  the  next  morning  before  the  powder  ceased  to 
operate.  But  at  length  the  sleeper  awakened,  and  looking 
round  the  room,  was  surprised  to  find  himself  in  so  different  a 
situation.  He  called  aloud  for  Cluster  of  Pearls,  Morning 
Star,  Coral  Lips,  and  the  other  ladies,  as  he  could  recollect 
them.  His  mother,  hearing  his  voice,  came  in  and  said,  Son, 
what  would  you  have ; who  are  those  you  are  calling  for  ? ’’ 
Abon  Hassan,  raising  himself  up,  looked  haughtily  at  his 
mother,  and  said,  ‘‘  Good  woman  1 who  is  it  you  call  your  son  ? 

“ You,  to  sure,^’  replied  his  mother  ; ‘‘are  you  not  Abon  Has- 
san, my  son  ? Have  you  slept  till  you  have  forgot  me  and 
yourself  too  ; “ I,  your  son  ! answered  Hassan  ; “ you  are 

mad ! I am  not  Abon  Hassan,  but  the  commander  of  the 
Faithful.’’ 

His  mother  was  alarmed  at  these  words.  “ Silence,  my 
dear  son,  I beseech  you,”  said  she;  “do  you  not  know  that 
‘ walls  have  ears  } ’ what  do  yoii  think  would  be  the  consequence, 
if  you  were  heard  to  utter  such  rash  words  to  anybody  else  ? 
You  are  surely  distracted.”  While  his  mother  was  thus  re- 
monstrating with  him,  Abon  Hassan  listened  to  her  attentively. 
He  held  down  his  head,  and  put  his  hands  before  his  eyes  like 
one  in  contemplation.  At  last,  as  if  just  awakened,  he  said  to 
his  mother,  “ Methinks  I am  Abon  Hassan,  and  you  are  my 
mother.”  Then  looking  round  the  room,  he  added,  “ I cer- 
tainly am  Abon  Hassan,  there  is  no  doubt  of  it.  I cannot  con- 
ceive how  this  fancy  came  into  my  head.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS.  263 

“You  have  had  a good  dream,”  replied  his  mother,  laugh- 
ing ; “ but  I have  some  real  good  news  for  you.  The  grand 
vizier,  Giafar,  came  to  me  yesterday,  and  putting  a purse  of 
a thousand  pieces  of  gold  into  my  hand,  bid  me  pray  for  the 
commander  of  the  Faithful,  who  made  me  that  present.” 

“ Will  you  dare,  after  this,  old  lady,”  replied  Hassan,  in  a 
rage,  “to  tell  me  I am  your  son  ! I sent  you  those  thousand 
pieces  of  gold  by  my  grand  vizier,  Giafar,  who  obeyed  me  as 
commander  of  the  Faithful.” 

His  mother  was  astonished  at  his  conversation,  but  fearing 
to  irritate  him  by  opposition,  she  a^nswered  him  slightly  ; and 
immediately,  with  intent  to  divert  his  ideas  from  a subject 
which  seemed  to  bewilder  him,  she  began  to  tell  him  what 
had  befallen  the  imam  and  the  four  sheiks  the  preceding  day. 

Hassan  listened  with  much  attention,  and  when  she  had  fin- 
ished her  narrative,  “ God  be  praised,”  said  he,  “ for  all  things ! 
for  I have  no  doubt  but  that  I am  the  commander  of  the  Faithful, 
and  the  prophet’s  vicar  on  earth.  Know,  old  woman,”  con- 
tinued he,  “ that  it  was  by  my  order  those  five  hypocrites  were 
punished.  I was  not  asleep  when  I gave  those  directions  ; and 
am  glad  to  hear  from  you  that  the  judge  of  the  police  fulfilled 
his  duty.” 

The  old  lady  was  in  an  agony  of  despair  when  she  heard 
him  talk  in  so  absurd  a manner.  “ Heaven  preserve  you  from 
the  power  of  Satan,  my  dear  son  ! ” replied  she  ; “ some  e\dl 
genius  surely  possesses  you.  Don’t  you  see  you  are  in  your 
own  room  ? Recollect  yourself  seriously,  and  drive  away  these 
fancies  from  your  imagination.”  At  these  words  Hassan  be- 
came more  transported  with  fury  ; he  leaped  from  the  sofa, 
seized  a cane,  and  running  to  his  mother,  “ Cursed  sorceress,” 
said  he,  “ tell  me  instantly  by  what  means  you  have  conveyed 
me  from  my  palace  to  this  room.”  His  mother,  looking  ten- 
derly at  him,  replied,  “You  are  not,  surely,  so  abandoned  by 
God,  my  son,  as  to  strike  your  mother!  ” Abon  Hassan,  urged 
to  frenzy,  became  unnatural.  He  caned  her  severely ; asking 
her,  between  every  stroke,  if  she  would  yet  own  he  was  com- 
mander of  the  Faithful ; to  which  she  continued  to  reply,  “ he 
was  her  beloved  son.” 

At  length,  as  he  ceased  not  to  be  at  her,  the  old  lady  was 
obliged  to  call  out  so  loudly  for  help,  that  several  of  the  neigh- 
bors heard  her,  and  ran  to  her  assistance.  The  first  who  en- 
tered the  room,  taking  the  cane  from  him,  said,  “ What  are  you 
doing,  Abon  Hassan  ? Have  you  no  fear  of  God  } Dare  you 
strike  your  affectionate  parent?.”  Hassan  looked  earnestly  on 


264  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  BNTRR  TAIN  AIR  NTS. 

him  without  returning  any  answer  ; and  then,  staring  on  all  that 
followed  him,  said,  “ Who  is  that  Abon  Hassan  ? do  you  mean 
to  call  me  by  that  name?”  “ Whom  should  we  call  so  but 
you  ? ” replied  his  neighbor  ; ‘‘  it  is  no  wonder  you  forget  your- 
self, when  you  insult  your  mother.”  “ Begone  ! you  are  all  im- 
pertinent ! ” answered  Hassan.  “ I neither  know  her  nor  you. 
I will  not  know  you  ; I am  not  Abon  Hassan  ; but  you  shall  find 
to  your  cost  that  I am  commander  of  the  Faithful.” 

At  this  discourse,  his  neighbors  concluded  he  was  mad  ; and 
while  some  laughed  at  him,  others  went  for  the  keeper  of  the 
hospital  for  lunatics.  Hassan  became  outrageous  at  the  sight 
of  him,  and  called  aloud  for  Giafar  and  Mesrour  to  come  to  his 
assistance  ; but  the  keeper  ordered  him  to  be  undressed,  and 
beat  him  with  a rope  till  he  lay  quiet ; he  then  caused  hand- 
cuffs and  chains  to  be  fastened  on  him,  and  took  him  to  the 
hospital. 

For  three  weeks  the  unfortunate  Hassan  received  daily  cor- 
rection from  the  hand  of  his  severe  keeper,  who  never  failed  to 
remind  him  that  he  was  not  commander  of  the  Faithful.  His 
mother  came  every  day  to  see  him  ; but  whenever  she  appeared 
in  his  sight,  he  reproached  and  execrated  her  as  the  cause  of 
all  his  sufferings.  At  length,  the  lively  ideas  of  what  had 
passed  during  the  time  he  was  addressed  as  caliph,  began  to 
fade  away ; and  the  miserable  situation  he  was  in  made  him 
recollect  himself.  Though  the  obedience  which  had  been 
paid  to  his  orders,  would  not  let  him  believe  he  had  been  dream- 
ing,  yet  he  considered  that,  if  he  was  really  caliph,  his  officers  and 
attendants  would  never  have  abandoned  him  to  so  much  igno- 
miny and  wretchedness.  While  his  mind  was  thus  employed, 
his  mother  came  to  see  him,  and  let  fall  a torrent  of  tears  at 
beholding  him  manacled,  emaciated,  and  dejected.  On  her 
approach,  he  no  longer  appeared  furious.  On  the  contrary,  he 
saluted  her  as  his  mother,  disavowed  his  supposed  dignity,  an  1 
with  much  sorrow  entreated  her  forgiveness  of  the  outrage  he 
had  committed  against  her. 

His  mother  was  overjoyed  to  find  so  happy  a change  in  him. 
She  talked  with  him  about  the  disorder  he  had  been  in  ; and 
added,  “ The  last  stranger  you  brought  home  with  you,  wen", 
away  in  the  morning  without  shutting  the  door.  I am  per- 
suaded this  gave  some  demon  an  opportunity  to  enter,  and  put 
you  into  that  horrid  delusion.”  “ You  are  certainly  in  the  right, 
my  dear  mother,”  replied  Abon  Hassan  ; it  was  tliat  very 
night  I had  the  fatal  dream  which  turned  my  brain,  and  caused 
those  excesses  which  cover  me  with  shame  and  confusiori  when 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


265 

I think  of  them.  I charged  the  merchant  to  shut  the  door 
after  him,  which  now  I find  he  did  not  do  ; as  they  of  Moussoi 
are  not  so  well  convinced  that  the  devil  is  the  cause  of  trouble- 
some dreams  as  we  are  at  Bagdad.  But  since  I am  so  much 
better,  get  me,  I entreat  you,  out  of  this  cursed  place.’’  His 
mother  hastened  with  great  joy  to  the  keeper,  and  declared  the 
change  she  had  found  in  her  son  ; and  he,  having  examined  his 
patient,  congratulated  him  on  his  recovery,  and  gave  him  his 
liberty. 

When  Abon  Hassan  came  home,  he  stayed  within  doors  fot 
some  days  to  rest  and  refresh  himself  after  the  severe  discipline 
he  had  undergone.  But  when  he  had  recovered  his  strength, 
he  soon  became  weary  of  spending  his  evenings  alone.  He  de- 
termined, therefore,  to  begin  his  former  way  of  living,  which 
was  to  provide  a supper,  and  seek  a friend  to  share  it  with  him. 

The  day  on  which  he  renewed  this  custom  was  the  first  of 
the  month,  when  the  caliph  always  walked  in  disguise  about 
the  city.  Towards  evening,  Hassan  went  to  the  bridge,  but  had 
scarce  sat  down  when  he  perceived  the  caliph  disguised  as  be- 
fore, and  followed  by  the  same  slave.  As  he  was  fully  per- 
suaded that  all  his  sufferings  arose  from  the  negligence  of  this 
Moussoi  merchant,  he  saw  him  with  great  indignation  ; and  to 
avoid  speaking  to  him,  he  got  up  and  looked  over  the  parapet 
into  the  river. 

The  caliph  saw  and  recollected  his  former  host,  and  became 
curious  to  know  the  effect  of  his  frolic.  He  perceived  that 
Hassan  had  risen  in  anger,  and  wished  to  avoid  him.  He  went, 
therefore,  close  up  to  him,  and  said,  ‘‘  Oh ! brother  Hassan,  is 
it  you  ? give  me  leave  to  embrace  you.”  “ Not  I,  indeed,”  re- 
plied Hassan,  roughly,  and  without  turning  his  head  ; “ I know 
nothing  of  you,  nor  will  I have  anything  to  do  with  you  ? go 
about  your  business.” 

The  caliph  endeavored  to  soothe  him,  saying,  “ You  cannot, 
surely,  have  forgotten  the  evening  we  passed  so  pleasantly  at 
your  house,  a little  while  ago  ? I then  tendered  you  my  best 
services,  and  now  repeat  the  offer,  and  shall  be  glad  to  repay 
your  hospitality  by  making  myself  useful  to  you.  Let  me  beg 
you  will  for  once  set  aside  your  usual  custom  of  not  receiving 
the  same  guest  the  second  time,  and  take  me  home  again  with 
you  this  evening.” 

Abon  Hassan  refused  this  request  with  high  indignation, 
and  again  bid  the  supposed  merchant  begone.  But  the  caliph 
urged  him  so  vehemently,  and  seemed  so  desirous  of  knowing 
the  cause  of  his  host’s  anger,  that  Hassan  at  last  suffered  him' 


266 


ARABIAiV  mCHTS^  ENTER TAINMEiV7B. 


self  to  be  prevailed  on  to  receive  him  as  his  guest  the  second 
time.  He  took  care,  however,  to  exact  a very  solemn  promise, 
that  he  would  shut  the  door  after  him,  when  he  went  out  in  the 
morning. 

When  they  arrived  at  Abon  Hassan’s  house,  he  related  to 
the  caliph  all  that  had  befallen  him.  “ But,’^  continued  he, 
‘‘  you  will  not  expect  to  hear  that  it  is  entirely  owing  to  you 
that  these  things  happened.  I desired  you  to  shut  the  door, 
which  you  neglected  to  do  ; and  some  devil  finding  it  open,  put 
this  dream  in  my  head  ; which,  though  it  was  very  agreeable 
while  it  lasted,  was  the  cause  of  all  these  misfortunes.  You  are 
in  part  answerable  for  all  the  extravagances  I ran  into  ; and 
chiefly  for  the  horrid  and  detestable  crime  I was  guilty  of  in 
lifting  up  my  hand  against  my  mother.’’ 

The  caliph  hearing  Abon  Hassan  thus  gravely  laying  to  his 
charge  so  many  evils,  burst  into  laughter,  which  exceedingly 
affronted  his  host.  “ Perhaps  you  will  find  something  very 
diverting  in  this  also,”  said  he,  and  at  the  same  time  bared  his 
back  and  shoulders,  and  showed  the  wales  and  livid  marks 
which  remained  from  the  chastisement  he  had  undergone  in  the 
hospital.  The  caliph,  on  beholding  this  piteous  sight,  became 
really  sorry  that  Hassan  had  suffered  so  much.  He  embraced 
and  condoled  with  him.  After  which  he  said,  “ Let  us  forget, 
as  well  as  we  can,  all  that  is  disagreeable,  and  dedicate  this 
evening  to  mirth.  To-morrow  I will  endeavor  to  repay  your 
sufferings  to  your  satisfaction.” 

Abon  Hassan  had  conceived  an  esteem  for  his  guest.  He 
suffered  his  anger  to  be  overcome  by  these  entreaties,  and  sit- 
ting down  with  him,  they  passed  the  evening  together  in  great 
jollity.  When  it  grew  late,  the  caliph  conveyed  a little  of  the 
same  powder  into  the  cup  of  his  host,  which  had  its  usual 
effect ; and  the  slaves  carried  Hassan  a second  time  to  the 
palace. 

The  caliph  caused  him  again  to  be  habited  in  the  imperial 
robes,  and  laid  on  a sofa  in  the  hall  where  he  had  before  fallen 
asleep.  In  the  morning,  Mesrour,  with  the  other  attendants, 
took  their  places  ; the  effect  of  the  powder  was  dissipated  as 
before,  and,  as  Abon  Hassan  awakened,  the  music  struck  up  a 
delightful  concert. 

Abon  Hassan  was  astonished  to  hear  the  charming  harmony. 
He  looked  around  him,  and  remembered  the  hall  ; he  even 
thought  he  recollected  the  persons  of  Hie  ladies.  “ Alas  ! ” 
said  he  aloud,  “ I am  fallen  into  the  same  fatal  dream  that 
happened  to  me  a month  ago,  and  must  expect  again  the  dis- 


ARABIAN^  NIGHTS'  ENTER TA/NAIENTS.  267 

cipline  of  the  mad-house.  He  was  a wicked  man  whom  I en- 
tertained last  night ; he  is  the  cause  of  this  illusion,  and  of  all 
the  miseries  I must  undergo.  The  base  wretch  promised  to 
shut  the  door  after  him,  and  did  not  do  it,  and  the  devil  has 
come  in,  and  filled  my  head  with  this  cursed  dream  again. 
Mayest  thou  be  confounded,  Satan,  and  crushed  under  some 
mountain ! ’’ 

Abon  Hassan  continued  some  time  thoughtful ; when,  shut- 
ting his  eyes  and  stretching  himself  on  the  sofa,  ‘‘  I’ll  go  to 
sleep,”  said  he,  till  Satan  leaves  me.”  On  which  one  of  the 
ladies  approaching  him  said,  ‘‘  Commander  of  the  Faithful,  I beg 
your  majesty  will  permit  me  to  tell  you,  that  day  appears,  and  it 
is  time  to  rise.”  “ Begone,  Satan  ! ” replied  Abon  Hassan, 
raising  his  voice.  Then  looking  on  the  lady,  he  said,  “ Is  it  me 
you  call  commander  of  the  Faithful  ? ” “ To  whom,”  replied 

the  lady,  “ should  I give  that  title  but  to  your  majesty,  who  is 
the  sovereign  of  the  world  and  of  Mussulmans  ? But  to  con- 
vince you  perfectly,  let  me  remind  you  of  what  passed  yester- 
day.” She  then  told  him  of  the  several  matters  which  oc- 
curred in  the  council  ; of  his  liberality  to  Abon  Hassan’s 
mother ; and  of  the  punishment  of  the  imam  and  his  compan- 
ions. ‘‘Your  majesty,  then,”  continued  she,  “dined  in  the 
three  halls  as  usual ; and  in  this  you  did  us  the  honor  to  make 
us  sit  down  with  you,  to  hear  our  songs,  and  receive  wine  from 
our  hands,  till  you  fell  asleep,  and  never  awakened  till  now.” 

The  confidence  with  which  the  lady  assured  Hassan  of 
these  things,  and  his  own  recollection  of  the  circumstances, 
threw  him  into  the  utmost  perplexity.  “ All  she  tells  me  is 
certainly  true,”  said  he  aloud  ; “for  I remember  every  partic- 
ular of  it.  Am  I,  indeed,  caliph  1 Do  I dream  now,  or  was  I 
in  a dream  when  I fancied  myself  in  a mad-house  ? ” At  length 
recollecting  that  his  shoulders  still  retained  a melancholy  proof 
of  the  treatment  he  had  received,  he  once  more  uncovered  them, 
and  asked  his  attendants  how  they  durst  suffer  such  disgrace- 
ful severity  to  be  offered  to  the  caliph  while  he  slept.  The  lady 
was  confounded  ; and  not  knowing  how  to  answer  so  trying  a 
question,  she  made  a signal  for  the  music  to  renew  the  concert, 
while  she  and  her  companions  danced  round  the  imaginary 
caliph.  Abon  Hassan  beheld  them  for  some  time  with  a 
mixture  of  delight  and  anxiety  ; but  as  they  continued  to  dance, 
he  became  transported,  and  leaping  up,  joined  in  their  amuse- 
ment, committing  numberless  pleasant  extravagances  ; till  the 
caliph,  who  had  from  his  closet  been  a spectator  of  all  that 
passed,  and  had  laughed  till  he  was  quite  exhausted,  called  oui^ 


268 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


“ Abon  Hassan,  Abon  Hassan,  you  will  make  me  die  with 
laughter.” 

The  instant  the  caliph’s  voice  was  heard,  the  music  ceased, 
and  every  one  was  silent.  The  monarch  came  forward,  laugh- 
ing, Abon  Hassan  recollected  him,  notwithstanding  his  royal 
robes  ; and  joined  in  the  joke,  without  being  in  the  least  dashed 
at  the  presence  of  his  sovereign,  he  cried  out,  “ Ha ! ha  ! you 
are  a merchant  of  Moussol,  and  complain  I would  kill  you  you 
who  have  been  the  occasion  of  my  using  my  mother  so  ill ; it 
was  you  who  punished  the  imam  and  the  four  sheiks  ; I wash 
my  hands  of  it.  In  short,  you  ought  to  answer  for  all  my  ir- 
regularities.” 

The  caliph  acknowledged  the  truth  of  Abon  Hassan’s 
remarks  ; and  at  his  request,  told  him  the  contrivance  he  had 
used  to  convey  him  thus  about.  He  then  bid  Hassan  ask 
boldly  for  any  favor  he  wished,  to  make  him  amends  for  the 
severities  he  had  undergone. 

‘‘  Commander  of  the  Faithful,”  replied  Abon  Hassan,  ‘‘  how 
great  soever  my  distress  was,  1 have  quite  forgotten  it,  now  that 
I know  my  sovereign  received  amusement  from  those  circum- 
stances which  occasioned  it.  I doubt  not  your  majesty’s  bounty, 
but  shall  only  ask  that  I may  be  allowed  to  approach  your 
royal  person,  and  have  the  happiness  all  my  life  of  admiring 
your  grandeur  ! ” The  modesty  of  this  request  charmed  the 
caliph,  who  had  before  a great  esteem  for  Hassan  ; he  granted 
his  desire  in  the  most  ample  manner,  assured  him  of  his  pro- 
tection, and  received  him  into  his  familiar  friendship. 

Abon  Hassan  was  lively  and  pleasant ; he  continually  pro- 
moted the  amusement  of  his  royal  master,  so  that  he  became 
his  constant  companion  during  those  hours  which  were  not 
devoted  to  business.  The  caliph  often  carried  him  to  thh 
apartment  of  his  spouse,  Zobeide,  who  had  heard  his  story  with 
much  pleasure.  This  princess  had  a favorite  slave,  called 
Nouzhatoul-aouadat.  Hassan  had  not  often  been  admitted  to 
the  presence  of  Zobeide,  before  she  observed  that  his  eyes  were 
often  fixed  on  this  young  lady;  who  on  her  part,  betrayed 
evident  proofs  of  partiality  for  him. 

Zobeide  was  no  sooner  convinced  that  their  attachment  was 
mutual,  than  she  proposed  to  the  caliph  to  give  her  slave  to 
Abon  Hassan.  'Fhe  prince  consenting,  the  marriage  was 
solemnized  in  t)ie  palace  with  great  rejoicings.  The  bride  and 
bridegroom  received  very  considerable  presents  from  Zobeide 
and  the  caliph,  and  Abon  Hassan  conducted  Jiis  spouse  with 
great  joy  to  the  apartments  allotted  him  in  the  palace. 


ARABIAN  mCHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  269 

Abon  Hassan  and  his  spouse  lived  together  in  perfect  union, 
Nouzhatoul-aouadat  was  endued  with  all  the  qualifications  ca- 
pable of  gaining  her  husband’s  love  and  esteem  ; and  he  omitted 
nothing  that  could  render  himself  acceptable  to  her.  He  fur- 
nished his  table  with  the  choicest  dainties  and  most  exquisite 
wines  ; he  hired  the  best  musicians  to  entertain  her ; in  a word, 
their  time  passed  in  a continual  round  of  pleasure. 

But  before  the  first  year  of  their  marriage  was  expired,  their 
steward  made  so  large  a demand  on  his  master,  as  entirely  ex- 
hausted his  purse,  and  they  found  themselves  all  at  once 
exceedingly  embarrassed.  Abon  Hassan  durst  not  apply  to 
the  caliph  for  assistance,  having  in  so  short  a time  lavished 
away  a considerable  treasure  ; nor  could  he  have  recourse  to 
his  own  fortune ; for  when  the  caliph  received  him  into  his 
household,  he  made  over  the  whole  of  his  patrimony  to  his 
mother ; and  he  resolved  on  no  account  to  lessen  her  income. 
On  the  other  hand,  Nouzhatoul-aouadat  considered  Zobeide’s 
generosity  to  her  on  her  nuptials  as  more  than  a sufficient 
recompense  for  her  services,  and  thought  that  she  ought  not  to 
apply  to  her  for  any  more. 

On  the  departure  of  the  steward,  they  sat  a long  time  silent, 
each  revolving  these  disagreeable  ideas.  At  length  Abon 
Hassan  said  to  his  wife,  “ 1 see  you  are  as  much  distressed  as 
1 am  on  this  occasion ; but  I think  I have  contrived  a trick,  if 
you’ll  assist  me,  which,  while  it  discovers  our  necessities  to  the 
caliph  and  Zobeide,  will  at  the  same  time  divert  them.  To 
this  purpose,  you  and  I must  both  die — ” “ Not  I,  indeed,” 

interrupted  his  wife,  who  had  before  listened  to  him  with  great 
attention  ; if  you  have  nothing  else  to  propose,  you  may  do 
that  by  yourself  if  you  choose  it.” 

You  do  not  suppose,  surely,”  replied  Hassan,  hastily, 
‘ that  I mean  really  to  die.  I propose  only  that  I should  feign 
myself  dead,  and  you  should  go,  in  tears  to  Zobeide,  and  by  ex- 
pressing great  sorrow,  move  her  pity.  On  your  return,  I will 
put  the  same  cheat  on  the  caliph,  and  besides  the  usual  presents 
we  shall  each  receive  on  this  occasion,  I flatter  myself  the 
explanation  will  be  very  beneficial  to  us.’^ 

Nouzhatoul-aouadat  now  entered  into  her  husband’s  scheme 
with  great  readiness.  She  spread  a sheet  on  the  carpet  in  the 
middle  of  the  room,  on  which  Hassan  laid  himself  along,  with 
his  feet  towards  Mecca ; he  crossed  his  arms,  and  his  wife 
wrapped  him  up,  and  put  a piece  of  fine  muslin  and  his  turban 
on  his  face.  She  then  disordered  her  dress,  and  with  dismal 
cries  and  lamentations,  ran  to  Zobeide’s  apartments.  Having 


270 


ARAB/AIV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


obtained  admission  to  the  princess,  she  redoubled  her  cries, 
tore  her  hair,  and  expressed  every  appearance  of  the  most  ex- 
travagant affliction  ; to  her  mistress’s  eager  inquiries  into  the 
cause  of  this  sorrow,  she  was  a long  time  silent,  as  if  unable  to 
speak ; but  at  last,  seeming  to  suppress  her  sighs,  she  said, 
“ May  heaven  prolong  your  days,  most  respectable  princess! 
Abon  Hassan,  poor  Abon  Hassan,  whom  you  honored  with 
your  esteem,  and  gave  me  for  a husband,  is  no  more  1 ” 

Zobeide  was  mu  jii  afflicted  at  this  news.  ‘‘  Is  Abon  Hassan 
dead  ? ” exclaimed  she,  that  agreeable,  pleasant  man  ? Alas, 
he  deserved  a longer  life  ! ” Saying  this,  she  shed  tears  ; and 
all  her  attendants,  to  whom  Abon  Has^an’s  good-humor  had 
much  endeared  him,  joined  in  bewailing  his  loss.  Zobeide 
then  presented  the  supposed  widow  with  a piece  of  brocade 
and  a hundred  pieces  of  gold.  “ Go,”  said  she,  “bury  the 
corpse  of  thy  husband  in  that  brocade,  and  moderate  the  trans- 
ports Oi  thy  affliction.  I will  take  care  of  thee.” 

Nouzhatoul-aouadat,  having  returned  suitable  thanks  to  the 
princess,  withdrew,  and  going  with  great  joy  to  her  husband, 
she  said,  “ Rise,  and  see  the  fruits  of  your  project.  Now  let  me 
act  the  dead  part,  and  see  if  you  manage  the  caliph  as  well  as 
I have  done  Zobeide.” 

Abon  Hassan  wrapped  up  his  wife  as  she  had  done  him, 
and  with  his  turban  loosened  and  put  awry  on  his  head,  and 
like  a man  in  the  deepest  sorrow,  ran  to  the  caliph,  and  an- 
nounced the  death  of  his  beloved  Nouzhatoul-aouadat.  That 
prince  was  as  liberal  to  the  false  widower  as  his  princess  had 
been  to  her  slave  ; and  Abon  Hassan  left  his  patron  with  a 
rejoicing  heart,  though  his  face  expressed  very  different  asso- 
ciations. 

The  caliph  was  impatient  to  condole  with  Zobeide  on  the 
death  of  her  slave.  He  went  immediately  with  Mesrour  to 
her  apartments,  where  he  found  her  drowned  in  tears.  He 
seated  himself  by  her,  and  in  the  most  tender  manner  used 
every  argument  in  his  power  to  console  her.  The  princess, 
though  highly  gratified  at  this  proof  of  the  caliph’s  tenderness, 
was  amazed  to  hear  him  lament  the  death  of  Nouzhatoul-aoua- 
dat. She  thanked  him  for  his  affectionate  attention  to  her, 
but  added,  “ Your  majesty  has  been  misinformed.  It  is  not 
the  death  of  my  slave  which  afflicts  ,me.  She  was  here  just 
now,  in  good  health,  though  in  much  distress.  These  tears 
are  shed  for  Abon  Hassan,  whose  untimely  dissolution  grieves 
me  much,  and  cannot,  I suppose,  be  indifferent  to  your  majesty.” 

The  caliph,  who  had  just  parted  with  Abon  Hassan,  as- 


ARABIAAT  mOHTS'  ENTER  TAINMEJVTS, 


271 


sured  her  that  he  was  alive  and  well.  Tis  his  wife,’’  contii?' 
ued  he,  who  is  dead  ; it  is  only  a few  minutes  since  he  left  me, 
overwhelmed  with  affliction  for  the  loss.” 

Zobeide  became  a good  deal  piqued  at  this  answer  of  the 
caliph.  She  thought  he  bantered  her.  She  affirmed  with 
much  heat  that  it  was  Abon  Hassan  who  was  dead,  and  ap- 
pealed to  her  nurse  and  other  attendants  to  confirm  what  she 
asserted.  The  caliph  was  as  confident  he  was  alive,  and  his 
wife  was  dead.  To  close  the  dispute,  the  monarch  proposed 
to  wager  his  garden  of  pleasures  against  the  princess’s  palace 
of  paintings.  Zobeide  agreed ; and  Mesrour  was  dispatched 
to  Abon  Hassan’s  apartment,  charged  by  both  the  caliph  and 
his  lady  to  return  with  a strict  account. 

Abon  Hassan  had  foreseen  this  dispute.  When  he  per- 
ceived Mesrour  approaching,  he  prepared  his  wife  to  act  the 
dead  part  again.  He  spread  the  piece  of  brocade  over  her, 
and  seated  himself  at  the  head  of  the  pretended  corpse,  in 
great  apparent  sorrow.  Tn  this  situation  the  eunuch  found 
him.  Mesrour  was  affected  at  the  dismal  sight.  He  seated 
himself  on  the  other  side  of  the  body,  and  began  to  offer  con- 
solation to  Abon  Hassan,  He  lifted  up  the  pall  a little  at  the 
head,  and  looking  under  it,  let  it  fall  again,  and  said,  with  a 
deejD  sigh,  ‘‘  There  is  no  other  God  but  God  ; we  must  all 
submit  to  his  will  and  return  to  him.”  Then  turning  to  Abon 
Hassan,  who  was  sighing  and  groaning  most  pitifully,  he  be- 
sought him  not  to  indulge  in  an  unavailing  sorrow,  and  hav- 
ing conversed  with  him  a little  time,  arose  and  took  his  leave. 

Mesrour  returned  to  Zobeide’s  apartment,  and  on  appearing 
before  his  master,  he  clapped  his  hands,  laughing,  like  one  who 
had  something  very  agreeable  to  tell ; but  the  caliph  and  the 
princess  had  disputed  till  they  were  both  out  of  humor.  The 
impatient  prince  cried  out,  “ Vile  slave,  is  this  a time  to  laugh  ] 
Tell  me  which  is  dead,  the  wife  or  the  husband.” 

“Commander  of  the  Faithful,”  replied  Mesrour,  seriously, 
“it  is  Nouzhatoul-aouadat  who  is  dead.”  The  caliph  immedi- 
ately turning  to  Zobeide,  claimed  the  palace  of  paintings. 
The  princess  pettishly  replied,  “ I see  your  majesty  has  con- 
trived with  Mesrour  to  chagrin  me.  I myself  conversed  with 
my  slave,  who  told  me  her  husband  was  dead  ; my  attendant^ 
all  saw  and  heard  her.  This  despicable  slave  has  brought  a 
false  account ; I beg  I may  send  a person  I can  trust  to  clear 
up  this  matter.” 

“ I know  not,”  replied  the  caliph,  “ who  was  the  author  of 
that  saying,  that  women  sometimes  lose  their  wits ; but  I am 


ARABIAN  IVIGHTS^  ENTER  TAINMEm'S. 


^72 

sure  you  give  a proof  that  he  was  not  mistaken.  You  may 
send  whom  you  please ; but  I once  more  assure  you  that  my 
own  eyes  and  ears  are  witness  that  Mesrour  has  told  the 
truth. 

Zobeide  dispatched  her  nurse  to  Abon  Hassan’s  apart- 
ment ; and  not  choosing  to  dispute  with  the  caliph,  she  con- 
tented herself  with  reproaching  the  eunuch.  The  monarch 
enjoyed  her  anger ; but  poor  Mesrour  was  much  mortified. 
He  comforted  nimself,  however,  with  the  hope  that  the  return 
of  the  nurse  would  set  all  to  rights  again. 

When  Abon  Hassan  had  released  his  wife  from  her  bands, 
after  the  departure  of  Mesrour,  he  said  to  her,  “Though  the 
eunuch  did  not  mention  his  master,  1 am  persuaded  that  the 
visit  was  made  by  his  direction.  The  caliph  and  the  princess 
I doubt  not  are  debating  which  of  us  is  dead  ; and  as  Zobeide 
will  not  believe  Mesrour,  we  may  expect  further  inquiries.’^ 
They  sat  down,  therefore,  on  a sofa  opposite  the  window  and 
watched  who  drew  near. 

When  they  saw  the  nurse  coming,  Hassan  again  appeared 
as  the  dead  body.  Nouzhatoul-aouadat  placed  herself  at  his 
head,  her  hair  dishevelled,  her  dress  disordered,  and  herself 
aparently  in  the  utmost  distress.  The  nurse,  on  entering  the 
apartment,  endeavored  to  console  her,  and  when  she  appeared 
a little  composed,  expressed  her  surprise  at  finding  everything 
the  reverse  of  what  the  eunuch  had  reported.  “ That  black- 
faced Mesrour,”  said  she,  “ deserves  to  be  impaled  tor  having 
made  so  great  a difference  between  our  good  mistress  and  the 
commander  of  the  Faithful.  He  has  had  the  inconceivable 
impudence  to  assert,  before  the  princess’  face,  that  you, 
daughter,  are  dead,  and  Abon  Hassan  alive.” 

The  nurse  having  comforted  the  supposed  widow,  hastened 
back  to  Zobeide,  and  related  what  she  had  seen.  Mesrour 
was  equally  vexed  and  disappointed  at  a report  so  different 
from  what  he  expected.  A violent  altercation  took  place  be- 
tween him  and  the  nurse  ; which  the  princess  resented  so 
much,  that  she  burst  into  tears,  and  demanded  justice  of  the 
caliph  against  the  audacious  and  insolent  eunuch. 

But  the  monarch,  who  had  heard  their  different  accounts, 
considered  that  Zobeide  herself  had  been  positive  on  the  one 
hand,  and  he  on  the  other.  He  began,  therefore,  to  think 
there  was  something  more  in  the  affair  than  he  could  compre- 
hend. Having  pacified  Zobeide,  he  proposed  that  they  should 
go  together  to  Abon  Hassan’s  apartment,  and  let  their  own 
eyes  determine  the  controversy. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


273 


They  set  forward  accordingly,  followed  by  all  their  retinue. 
Abon  Hassan,  seeing  the  cavalcade  approach,  wrapped  his 
wife  up  as  before,  and  lying  down  by  her,  contrived  to  place 
the  brocade  and  turban  upon  himself,  so  that  on  the  entrance 
of  the  royal  visitors  they  both  appeared  as  laid  out. 

When  the  caliph  and  the  princess  entered  the  room,  they 
were  exceedingly  shocked  at  the  dismal  sight.  After  some 
time,  Zobeide  exclaimed  with  a sigh,  ‘‘  Alas  ! they  are  both 
dead  ! it  is  dangerous  jesting  on  such  awful  subjects.’’  “ You 
jocularly  told  me,”  said  she  to  the  caliph,  that  my  slave  was 
dead,  and  now  I find  she  is  really  so.  Grief  for  the  loss  of 
her  husband  has  certainly  killed  her.” 

The  caliph  strenuously  asserted  that  Abon  Hassan  had  been 
unable  to  support  life  after  the  death  of  Nouzhatoul-aouadat. 
The  nurse  and  Mesrour  renewed  their  altercation  ; and  all 
parties  found  themselves  as  far  from  certainty  as  ever.  In  the 
conversation  the  caliph  vowed  he  would  give  a thousand  pieces 
of  gold  to  him  who  could  prove  which  of  the  two  died  first. 
Instantly  a hand  was  held  out,  and  a voice  from  under  Abon 
Hassan’s  pall  was  heard  to  say,  I died  first,  commander  of 
the  Faithful ; give  me  the  thousand  pieces  of  gold.”  At  the 
same  time  Abon  Hassan  threw  off  the  brocade,  and  prostrated 
himself  at  the  feet  of  the  caliph,  as  did  his  wife  at  those  of  the 
princess. 

Abon  Hassan  related  the  necessity  which  gave  rise  to  this 
device,  and  finished  his  narrative  by  very  gravely  demanding 
the  thousand  pieces  of  gold.  Zobeide,  at  first,  was  very  seri- 
ous, not  being  well  pleased  to  have  been  so  much  afflicted ; 
but  the  caliph  laughing  very  heartily  at  the  trick,  she  at  length 
joined  in  his  good-humor;  and  by  their  mutual  liberality  they 
furnished  Abon  Hassan  and  Nouzhatoul-aouadat  with  a suffi- 
cient income  to  enjoy  their  favorite  pleasures. 


THE  ADVENTURES  OF  THE  CALIPH  HAROUN 
ALRASCHID. 

One  of  those  evenings  in  which  the  caliph  Haroun  Alras- 
chid  was  pursuing  his  usual  custom  of  walking  in  disguise  about 
his  metropolis,  to  see  that  good  order  was  everywhere  observed, 
he  took  notice  of  a blind  beggar,  whose  appearance  excited  his 
compassion.  He  gave  him  a small  piece  of  money,  which  the 
beggar  received  with  thankfulness  ; but  at  the  same  time  caught 
hold  of  his  clothes,  and  said,  ‘‘  Charitable  person,  whosoever 


274 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


you  are,  that  God  hath  inspired  with  benevolence,  I entreat 
you  to  give  me  a smart  blow  also.  Alas ! I have  deserved  a 
greater  punishment.” 

The  caliph  was  surprised  at  this  request,  which  he  refused 
to  comply  with.  “ Then,”  replied  the  beggar,  “ I must  desire 
you  to  take  back  your  alms,  for  I have  made  a solemn  vow 
never  to  receive  the  one  without  the  other.  If  you  knew  the 
reason,  you  would  allow  the  penance  is  not  equal  to  my  of- 
fences.” The  caliph  not  choosing  to  be  detained,  gave  him  a 
slight  blow  ; after  which  the  blind  man  let  him  go,  and  thanked 
him  and  blessed  him. 

The  extreme  severity  with  which  a young  man  chastised  a 
very  beautiful  mare,  next  engaged  the  caliph’s  attention,  with 
the  more  reason,  as  he  learnt  that  for  many  days  past  the 
man  had  exercised  his  beast  every  day  with  the  same  severity. 
Giafar  was  directed  by  his  master  to  order  this  man  and  the 
beggar  to  attend  the  caliph  at  the  divan  next  day. 

In  his  further  progress,  the  caliph  took  notice  of  a very 
handsome  house,  newly  built.  He  inquired  who  was  the  owner, 
and  was  informed  that  he  was  called  Cogia  Hassan  Alhabbal 
(rope-maker) ; that  very  lately  he  had  been  so  exceedingly 
poor,  that  he  could  hardly  supply  his  family  with  necessaiies, 
but  all  at  once  he  had  become  very  rich,  and  defrayed  honor- 
ably the  expense  he  now  lived  at.  The  caliph  ordered  Cogia 
Hassan  to  be  summoned  before  him  with  the  others. 

Next  day  they  all  attended.  The  caliph  addressed  himseli 
first  to  the  beggar,  and  demanded  the  reason  of  his  extraordi- 
nary conduct.  The  blind  man,  having  paid  his  respects  to  the 
caliph  in  the  usual  manner,  related  his  story  as  follows  : 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  BLIND  MAN,  BABA  ABDALLAH. 

Commander  of  the  Faithful,  I am  ready  to  obey  you,  though 
I know  that  in  relating  the  cause  of  my  imposing  this  penance 
upon  myself,  I must  discover  a very  heinous  crime  to  your 
majesty.  Whatever  further  punishment  you  may  order  to  be 
inflicted  on  me,  I shall  submit  to  it  without  murmuring. 

I am  called  Baba  Abdallah,  and  was  born  at  Bagdad. 
Having  but  little  fortune  to  begin  the  world  with,  I early  learnt 
the  strictest  economy,  which  very  soon  became  avarice.  By  a 
close  attention  to  its  dictates,  I became  possessed  of  fourscore 
camels,  which  I used  to  let  to  the  merchants,  and  drive  them 
myself  to  whatever  place  they  were  hired  for  ; by  which  diligence 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


275 


I was  obtaining,  very  fast,  a handsome  competence.  In  the 
midst  of  this  good  fortune,  as  I was  returning  one  day  from 
Balsora,  with  my  camels  unloaded,  a dervis  joined  me  on  the 
road.  We  fell  into  discourse,  and  presently  sitting  down,  each 
produced  his  provisions  and  we  ate  together.  After  our  repast, 
the  dervis  told  me  that  he  knew  of  a treasure  near  at  hand,  so 
great,  that  if  all  my  beasts  were  laden  with  gold  and  jewels,  it 
would  not  be  missed  from  the  heap. 

I was  delighted  at  this  news,  and  entreated  the  dervis  to 
show  me  where  it  was,  and  let  me  load  my  camels  with  it : pre- 
posterously offering  to  give  him  one  of  them.  The  dervis 
checked  my  avarice  with  great  good-humor.  Will  you  not  be 
content,’’  said  he,  ‘‘if  I give  you  as  much  treasure  as  will  load 
forty  of  your  camels,  to  give  me  the  other  forty  and  let  me  load 
them  on  my  own  account  ? Consider,  though  you  give  me  forty 
of  your  carriers,  you  will  receive  by  my  means  as  much  wealth 
as  would  purchase  many  thousands  of  them.” 

There  was  much  truth  and  justice  in  this  remark,  yet  I 
could  not  without  reluctance  think  of  agreeing  to  his  request. 
The  dervis  would  in  that  case  be  as  rich  a man  as  myself : 
my  desire  of  riches  also  was  become  so  violent,  that  I thought 
ic  was  a great  deal  to  spare  him  one,  though  I retained  seventy- 
nine. 

But  there  was  no  time  to  hesitate  ; if  I did  not  comply,  I 
must  give  up  all  hopes  of  possessing  immense  wealth.  I con- 
sented, therefore,  with  seeming  thankfulness,  and  we  travelled 
till  we  came  to  a spacious  valley  formed  by  two  mountains. 
When  we  had  advanced  some  way,  the  dervis  made  a fire,  and 
casting  a perfume  into  it,  he  said  some  words  I did  not  under- 
stand ; a thick  cloud  arose,  and,  when  it  dispersed,  we  found 
one  of  the  mountains  opened,  and  discovered  a prodigious  cavern 
full  of  all  sorts  of  riches. 

I made  the  camels  kneel  down  as  usual  to  receive  their 
load,  and  then  flew  like  a hungry  vulture  to  my  prey.  The 
sacks  were  large,  and  I would  gladly  have  filled  them  all,  but  I 
was  obliged  to  proportion  my  burden  to  the  strength  of  my 
beasts.  When  we  had  laden  them  with  gold  and  jewels,  I 
observed  the  dervis  go  to  a vessel,  and  take  out  a little  box, 
which  he  put  in  his  bosom  ; but  first  showed  me  that  it  con- 
tained only  a kind  of  pomatum. 

The  dervis  having  closed  the  mountain,  we  each  of  us  took 
charge  of  our  forty  camels,  and  left  the  valley.  We  travelled 
together  till  we  came  to  the  great  road,  where  we  were  to  part ; 
the  dervis  going  to  Balsora,  and  I to  Bagdad.  Here  I poured 


276  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

forth  my  acknowledgments  in  the  fullest  manner,  for  the  riches 
he  had  given  me,  and  we  bade  each  other  farewell. 

I had  not  got  many  paces  before  the  vilest  ingratitude  took 
possession  of  me.  I not  only  forgot  my  obligations  to  the 
dervis,  but  determined  to  deprive  him  of  his  share  of  the  treas- 
ure we  had  brought  from  the  valley.  Having  formed  this  in- 
famous resolution,  I soon  found  out  a specious  reason  to  hide 
from  my  heart  its  own  baseness.  ‘‘  Is  not  the  dervis,’^  said  I, 
master  of  this  immense  treasure  ^ Cannot  he  go  to  it  when 
he  pleases  ? What  injury  then  shall  I do  him  ? 

I stopped  my  camels  and  went  up  to  him,  saying,  ‘‘  Brother, 
it  occurs  to  me  that  you  are  not  used  to  the  management  of 
these  beasts,  and  will  never  be  able  to  conduct  forty  of  them  to 
Baisora.  You  had  better  give  up  ten  of  them  to  me.’* 

“ I believe  you  are  right,’’  replied  the  dervis ; ‘‘  I appre- 
hended the  difficulty  you  mention.  Take  any  ten  you  please, 
and  add  them  to  your  own.” 

Finding  my  benefactor  so  easily  persuaded,  I proceeded 
with  moderation.  “ You  will  soon  find,”  said  I,  “ that  you  have 
done  wisely  in  lessening  the  number  of  your  camels  ; the  regard 
I have  for  your  safety  makes  me  wish  you  would  part  with  ten 
more.  I can  manage  a hundred  as  well  as  one  ; but  you  will 
hnd  twenty  too  many.” 

If  you  think  so,  brother,”  replied  the  dervis,  “ take  other 
ten.”  I did  so,  and  was  owner  of  sixty  camels  loaded  with 
jewels  and  gold.  This  immense  wealth,  instead  of  satisfying 
my  desires,  only  made  me  more  eager  for  the  remaining  twenty. 
‘‘  You,  brother,”  said  I,  ‘‘are  a good  dervis,  unattached  to  the 
world,  and  intent  only  on  serving  God.  You  will  find  all  this 
treasure  a snar^  to  you.  Be  content,  then,  with  ten  camels, 
and  let  iae,  out  of  friendship  to  you,  drive  away  the  remain- 
der ’ 

The  dervis  complied  with  this  unreasonable  request  also, 
without  murmuring.  I then  embraced  him,  oppressed  him  with 
my  too  abundant  thanks,  with  vows  of  everlasting  gratitude  and 
love  ; and  I finished  in  beseeching  him  to  crown  my  joy,  by 
giving  me  the  other  ten  also.  “ Take  them,  brother,”  replied 
the  dervis ; “ use  them  properly.  Remember,  also,  that  God 
can  take  away  riches  as  well  as  bestow  them.” 

Though  I was  much  pleased  to  have  acqtuica  so  easily  the 
treasure  which  I had  resolved  to  obtain  by  violence,  if  necessary, 
my  desires  were  now  become  unbounded.  Recollecting  the  box 
of  pomatum  which  the  dervis  had  taken  out  of  the  treasury,  it 
occurred  to  me  that  possibly  that  box  might  be  of  more  value 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


277 


than  all  the  treasure  I had  obtained  from  him  ; hence  I accounted 
for  his  so  readily  giving  up  his  forty  camels  ; at  any  rate,  the 
care  with  which  he  put  it  by  convinced  me  that  it  was  of  great 
value,  and  I determined  to  have  it. 

When  I put  the  camels  in  order,  I went  to  the  dervis,  and 
embracing  him,  bid  him  again  adieu  ! but  just  as  I was  turning 
from  him,  I said:  “ You,  who  have  renounced  the  vanities  of 
the  world,  can  have  no  use  for  pomatum.  I wish  you  would 
make  me  a present  of  that  you  took  out  of  the  treasury.’'  “ Most 
ivillingly,”  replied  he,  taking  the  box  out  of  his  bosom,  and 
presenting  it  to  me  with  great  good-nature. 

I was  surprised  at  his  parting  with  it  so  readily,  I opened 
the  box,  and  asked  him  the  use  of  the  pomatum.  “ It  possesses,” 
said  he,  “ when  applied  by  me,  very  opposite  and  wonderful 
qualities.  If  I anoint  your  left  eye  with  it,  you  will  see  all  the 
treasures  contained  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth  ; if  I apply  it  to 
your  right  eye,  you  will  become  blind.’^ 

I was  desirous  of  trying  the  experiment,  and  desired  the  dervis 
to  rub  some  of  it  on  my  left  eye.  When  he  had  done  so,  I saw 
immense  treasures,  so  diversified  that  it  is  impossible  for  me 
to  describe,  or  any  one  to  conceive  them.  Having  contem- 
plated these  for  some  time,  I requested  the  dervis  to  put  some 
of  the  pomatum  on  my  right  eye  also. 

“ How,”  replied  he,  starting,  “ would  you  have  me,  who  have 
done  you  so  much  service,  become  your  enemy,  and  do  you  an 
irreparable  injury  ? I call  God  to  witness  that  if  you  persist  in 
your  resolution,  you  will  become  blind  immediately.” 

The  more  earnest  the  dervis  was  with  me  to  desist,  the  more 
I determined  to  persevere.  I thought  it  was  incredible  that 
the  pomatum  should  have  such  opposite  effects.  I had  no 
doubt  but  by  means  of  some  of  it,  obtained  elsewhere,  the  dervis 
had  been  enabled  to  discover  the  treasure  he  had  led  me  to  ; 
and  I reasoned  that  if  the  pomatum,  being  applied  to  one  eye, 
could  show  me  all  the  treasures  of  the  earth,  very  probably  by 
applying  it  to  the  other  I might  obtain  the  means  of  disposing 
of  them.  Prepossessed  with  this  opinion,  I said  to  the  dervis, 
“ You  have  granted  me  everything  I have  asked  ; deny  me  not 
this  last  favor.  Whatever  consequences  may  ensue,  I excuse 
you,  and  take  them  all  upon  myself.  If  you  persist  in  refusing 
me,  I shall  be  convinced  you  have  some  views  of  your  own, 
which  you  wish  to  conceal ; I shall  cease  to  consider  you  as  my 
benefactor,  and  shall  think  myself  entitled  to  make  you  repent 
your  obstinacy.’^  The  menacing  manner  in  which  I uttered 
these  words  alarmed  the  dervis.  He  made  haste  to  apply  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TA /NAIRN TS. 


278 

pomatum  to  my  right  eye,  and  I instantly  became  blind,  as  you 
see  me  now. 

‘‘  Ah  ! dervis/’  cried  I,  at  that  fatal  moment,  “ what  you 
told  me  is  too  true.  Unbounded  avarice  ! insatiable  thirst  of 
riches  ! to  what  misery  have  you  reduced  me  ! But  you,  dear 
brother,”  said  I to  the  dervis,  “ are  charitable  and  good.  Ex- 
amine into  the  wonderful  secrets  you  know,  and  see  if  you  have 
not  one  to  restore  me  to  my  sight  again.” 

Miserable  wretch,”  answered  the  dervis,  ‘‘  thou  hast  thy 
deserts  ! the  blindness  of  thy  mind  was  the  cause  of  the  loss  of 
thy  eyes.  I have  secrets,  but  none  that  can  restore  thee  to 
sight.  Pray  to  God,  if  thou  believest  there  is  one  ; it  is  he 
alone  who  can.  He  gave  thee  riches,  of  which  thou  wert  un- 
worthy ; he  takes  them  from  thee  again  ; and  will  by  my  hands 
bestow  them  upon  men  who  are  not  so  wicked  and  so  ungrate- 
ful as  thou  art.” 

The  dervis  said  no  more,  and  I had  nothing  to  reply.  Being 
quite  confounded,  and  plunged  into  inexpressible  grief,  I be- 
sought him  to  take  pity  on  my  miserable  situation,  and  at  least 
to  conduct  me  to  the  first  caravan  ; but  he  was  deaf  to  my 
prayers  and  entreaties,  and  gathering  up  my  camels,  he  drove 
them  away,  leaving  me  wretched,  poor,  and  blind. 

Thus  was  I reduced,  by  my  own  folly  and  wickedness,  from 
a condition  worthy  the  envy  of  princes,  to  beggary.  I got  to 
Bagdad  by  the  charitable  assistance  of  some  travellers,  and  as 
I have  no  other  way  to  subsist,  I ask  alms  ; but  have  enjoined 
it  upon  myself,  by  way  of  penance,  to  receive  none  which  are 
not  accompanied  by  a blow  from  the  hand  which  bestows  them. 

When  the  blind  man  had  finished  his  story,  the  caliph  said 
to  him,  “ Baba  Abdallah  ! thy  sin  is  great ; but,  God  be  praised, 
thou  art  thyself  sensible  of  the  enormity  of  it.  I will  not  suffer 
this  public  penance.  I will  settle  a charity  on  thee  of  four  silver 
drachms  a day,  and  thou  mayest  then  devote  the  remainder  of 
thy  days  to  prayer  and  private  repentance,  in  which  thou  canst 
not  be  too  much  in  earnest.” 

Then  turning  to  the  young  man  who  had  used  his  mare  so 
barbarously,  he  demanded  of  him  the  cause  of  his  inhumanity, 
when  he  gave  the  following  account  of  himself. 

THE  STORY  OF  SIDI  NONMAN. 

My  name  is  Sidi  Nonman.  I succeeded  a few  years  ago  to 
a moderate  fortune,  the  produce  of  my  father’s  industry  .and 
economy.  My  desires  were  suitable  to  my  station ; and  I 


ARABIAN  NJGNTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


279 

only  wanted  a companion  to  share  my  felicity,  and  make  it 
complete. 

In  this  hope  I married,  some  time  since ; and  as  it  is  the 
custom  among  us  to  marry  without  having  seen  the  bride,  1 
thought  myself  fortunate,  when  my  wife  was  brought  home,  to 
find  her  a very  beautiful  woman. 

But  the  very  day  after  our  wedding,  a circumstance  occurred 
which  greatly  abated  my  joy.  When  we  sat  down  to  dinner,  I 
began  to  eat  rice  with  a spoon  as  usual  ; but  my  wife  pulled  a 
little  case  out  of  her  pocket,  and  taking  out  a bodkin,  she  picked 
up  the  rice  grain  by  grain. 

I was  surprised  to  see  her  eat  in  this  manner,  and  entreated 
her  earnestly  to  eat  as  I did.  She  did  not  even  condescend  to 
answer  me,  but  continued  to  pick  up  the  rice  as  she  had  begun. 
I became  angry  ; yet  recollecting  that  she  had  not  been  used 
to  eat  with  men,  I imputed  her  conduct  to  modesty,  and  left 
her  after  dinner  without  showing  any  signs  of  displeasure. 

As  she  continued  this  practice,  I became  seriously  uneasy 
at  it.  When  she  did  not  eat  rice  she  would  put  a few  crumbs 
of  bread  into  her  mouth,  but  not  so  much  as  a sparrow  could 
eat.  I knew  it  was  impossible  for  any  one  to  live  on  such 
little  food,  and  concluding  there  must  be  some  mystery  in  the 
business,  I determined  to  dissemble,  and  while  I seemed  to 
take  no  notice  of  her  actions,  to  watch  her  with  the  closest 
attention. 

One  night  when  Amina  (that  was  her  name)  thought  me 
fast  asleep,  she  got  out  of  bed,  dressed  herself,  and  went  out 
very  softly.  I feigned  a sound  sleep  ; but  the  moment  she  left 
the  room,  I hastily  slipped  on  my  clothes,  and  followed  her  into 
the  street. 

She  went  to  a burying-place  at  the  end  of  the  town ; it  was 
moonlight.  I got  to  the  end  of  the  wall,  taking  care  not  to  be 
discovered  ; and  looking  over  I saw  Amina  with  a goule. 

Your  majesty,  no  doubt,  knows  that  goules  are  wandering 
demons  who  generally  resort  to  decayed  buildings,  whence  they 
rush  on  people  passing  by,  kill  them,  and  eat  their  flesh ; and 
that  in  want  of  prey,  they  will  go  by  night  into  the  burying- 
grounds,  and  feed  upon  the  dead  bodies. 

I was  exceedingly  shocked  to  see  my  wife  with  this  goule. 
They  dug  up  a body  which  had  been  buried  that  day,  and  the 
goule  cutting  the  flesh  into  slices,  they  ate  together.  I was  too 
far  off  to  hear  their  discourse,  which  no  doubt  was  as  horrid  as 
their  feast. 

1 went  home  with  ideas  I know  not  how  to  describe,  and 


28o  /jrabian  nights^  entertainments. 

lying  down,  when  Amina  returned  I pretended  to  be  fast  asleep. 
She  did  not  stay  long  after  me,  and  coming  to  bed  very  silently, 
she  either  fell  asleep,  or  seemed  to  do  so. 

I was  so  struck  with  the  abominable  action  I had  seen,  that 
it  was  with  reluctance  I suffered  her  to  lie  by  me.  I arose  at 
daybreak,  and  went  to  the  mosque.  After  prayers,  finding  my 
mind  greatly  agitated,  I passed  the  morning  in  the  gardens, 
deliberating  with  myself  how  I ought  to  act.  I rejected  all 
violent  measures  ; and  resolved  that  I would  endeavor  to  reform 
her  by  gentle  and  affectionate  expostulation. 

When  I returned,  and  dinner  was  served,  Amina  ate  as 
usual.  The  table  being  cleared,  I drew  near  to  her  and  said, 
“ Why,  my  dear  Amina,  will  you  persist  in  despising  my  table, 
and  not  eat  your  food  with  me  ? I have  tried  every  sort  of 
dainty,  yet  you  still  refuse  to  forego  your  contemptuous 
abstinence.  Tell  me,  I conjure  you,  Amina,  are  not  the  meats 
served  up  at  my  table  better  than  dead  men’s  flesh  ? ” 

I had  no  sooner  uttered  these  words  than  she  flew  in  a rage, 
her  face  became  distorted,  her  eyes  were  ready  to  start  from 
her  head ; she  even  foamed  with  passion.  Frightened  at  her 
appearance,  I sat  immovable.  In  the  midst  of  the  most  horrid 
execrations,  she  threw  some  water  in  my  face,  and  added, 
“ Receive  the  reward  of  thy  impertinent  curiosity.”  I instantly 
became  a dog. 

My  terror  and  grief  at  this  transformation  were  extreme  ; 
but  my  attention  was  presently  called  to  my  safety  ; for  Amina 
presently  took  up  a great  stick,  and  beat  me  till  she  was 
weary.  She  then  opened  the  street-door,  with  an  intent  to 
squeeze  me  between  that  and  the  wall  ; but  I was  aware  of 
her  cruel  design  ; and  looking  earnestly  in  her  face,  I whipped 
through  so  nimbly  as  to  escape  with  only  the  loss  of  part  of 
my  tail. 

The  pain  I felt  made  me  cry  out  and  howl.  This  brought 
me  a number  of  other  dogs  about  me  ; to  avoid  them  I took 
shelter  in  the  shop  of  a tripe-seller.  This  man  was,  unfor- 
tunately, one  of  those  superstitious  persons  who  think  dogs 
unclean  creatures ; and  that,  if  by  chance  one  happen  to 
touch  one  of  them,  no  washing  scarcely  is  sufficient  to  make 
one  clean  again.  While  this  man  was  driving  away  the 
other  dogs,  I hid  myself  out  of  his  reach,  and  passed  the 
night  in  his  house,  very  much  against  his  inclination.  In- 
deed, I stood  in  need  of  rest  to  recover  Amina’s  ill-treatment 
of  me. 

In  the  morning  1 crept  out  of  my  hole,  but  soon  found. 


ARABIAN  NIGHIV  Ii  NTERTAINMENTS.  281 

from  the  manners  of  my  host,  that  I must  seek  another 
asylum.  He  drove  me  out  of  his  house  with  great  indigna- 
tion. A few  doors  farther  there  lived  a baker,  of  a temper 
very  different  from  the  tripe-man.  He  was  merry  and  good- 
humored,  whereas  the  latter  was  eaten  up  with  melancholy. 
To  this  baker  I presented  myself,  and  so  managed  that  he 
seemed  to  find  out  what  1 wanted ; for  he  not  only  fed  me, 
but  showed  me  a place  where  to  lie,  which  I immediately  took 
possession  of. 

My  new  master  became  very  fond  of  me  ; and  I,  on  my 
part,  showed  every  mark  of  fidelity  and  attachment.  One 
day,  a woman  came  into  the  shop  to  buy  some  bread,  and 
offered  a piece  of  bad  money  among  some  good.  The  baker 
;efused  it ; the  woman  insisted  it  was  good.  ‘‘  Good,’’  replied 
my  master ; “ why,  my  very  dog  knows  better ! Here,” 
said  he,  calling  me  to  leap  on  the  counter,  “ tell  me  which  of 
these  pieces  of  money  is  bad.”  I looked  at  the  several 
pieces,  and  putting  my  paw  on  the  bad  piece,  separated  it 
horn  the  others. 

The  baker,  who  never  in  the  least  thought  of  my  finding 
.)ut  the  bad  piece,  but  only  called  me  to  banter  the  woman, 
was  very  much  surprised.  The  woman  also  was  in  confusion. 
My  master  related  the  story  to  his  neighbors,  and  the  woman 
to  her  acquaintance ; so  that  the  fame  of  my  abilities  was 
spread  all  over  the  city ; and  my  master  had  so  many  new 
customers,  who  came  to  see  my  performance,  that  he  owned  to 
his  neighbors  I was  a treasure  to  him. 

Many  people  endeavored  in  vain  to  steal  me  from  my 
friendly  master ; but  one  morning  a woman  who  came  to 
try  my  knowledge  of  money,  upon  pointing  out  the  piece 
that  was  bad,  said,  with  particular  point,  “Yes,  thou  art 
in  the  right  of  it ; it  is  bad.”  She  stayed  some  time  in  the 
shop,  and  made  me  a signal,  unobserved  by  the  baker,  to 
follow  her. 

I was  always  attentive  to  anything  which  seemed  likely  to 
lead  to  my  deliverance.  I took  notice  of  the  woman’s  singular 
behavior ; and  when  she  was  departing,  I kept  my  eyes  fixed 
upon  her.  After  she  had  gone  a few  steps,  she  turned  about 
and  again  made  me  a sign  to  go  with  her. 

I hesitated  no  longer ; but  observing  my  master  was  busy, 
I jumped  off  the  counter,  and  followed  her.  She  seemed 
overjoyed,  and  after  we  had  gone  a little  way,  she  opened 
a door,  and  calling  me,  said,  “ Thou  wilt  not  repent  thy  coming 
with  me.” 


282  dRABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

She  carried  me  into  a chamber  where  there  was  a young 
lady,  working  embroidery.  ‘‘  Daughter,”  said  she,  “ I have 
brought  the  baker’s  famous  dog  that  can  distinguish  money. 
Am  I right  in  my  conjecture  that  it  is  a man  transformed  into 
this  animal.^”  “You  are  right,  mother,”  replied  the  lady. 
Then  rising  up,  she  threw  some  water  over  me,  saying,  “If 
thou  wast  created  a dog,  remain  so  ; but  if  thou  wert  a man,  re- 
sume thy  former  shape.”  At  that  instant  the  .enchantment  was 
at  an  end,  and  I became  a man  as  before. 

I returned  proper  acknowledgments  to  the  two  ladies  to 
whom  I owed  my  deliverance  ; and  at  their  desire  related 
the  circumstances  that  led  to  my  transformation.  “ I know 
Amina  well,”  said  the  young  lady ; “ we  both  learned  magic 
under  the  same  mistress.  But  our  tempers  are  different, 
and  we  have  avoided  each  other.  I am  not  at  all  surprised 
at  her  wickedness,  and  will  enable  you  to  punish  her  as  she 
deserves.” 

My  benefactress  withdrew  to  consult  her  books ; and 
presently  returned  with  a little  bottle  in  her  hand.  “ Sidi 
Nonman,”  said  she,  “ you  wife  is  now  abroad,  but  will  return 
speedily ; take  this  little  bottle,  and  go  home  immediately. 
When  she  comes  home,  meet  her  abruptly.  She  will  then  turn 
back  to  run  away.  Be  sure  to  have  this  bottle  ready,  and 
throw  some  liquor  it  contains  upon  her,  saying,  boldly,  ‘ Receive 
the  chastisement  of  thy  wickedness.’  I will  tell  you  no  more, 
you  will  see  the  effect.” 

After  repeating  my  thanks  to  my  deliverers,  I went  home. 
Amina  was  not  long  before  she  returned  also.  I met  her  in 
the  yard.  As  soon  as  she  saw  me  she  shrieked,  and  turned 
to  run  away.  I pursued  the  directions  I had  received,  and 
she  became  the  mare  your  majesty  saw  me  upon  yesterday. 
I seized  her  and  led  her  into  a stable,  where  I tied  her  to 
a manger,  and  whipped  her  till  I was  weary,  reproaching  her 
all  the  while  with  her  enormities.  Since  then  I have  pun- 
ished her  every  day  in  the  manner  your  majesty  saw  ; and  I 
hope  you  will  think  I have  not  dealt  too  severely  by  so  very 
wicked  a woman. 

“ I do  not  absolutely  condemn  thy  severity,”  replied  the 
caliph  ; “ thou  hast  certainly  received  great  provocation  ; but 
surely  it  is  severe  punishment  to  be  reduced  into  the  number 
of  beasts,  and  I would  have  thee  be  content  with  that  chas- 
tisement which  I do  not  desire  should  be  done  away,  lest 
thou  shouldst  be  exposed  to  more  mischief  from  thy  wife’s 
revenge.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  7AINM ENTS. 


283 

The  caliph  then  tu^-ned  himself  to  the  third  person  who  had 
been  summoned.  ‘‘ Cogia  Hassan/’  said  he,  “passing  by  thy 
house  yesterday,  I was  induced,  by  its  handsome  .appearance, 
to  inquire  after  the  owner.  I was  informed,  that  not  long  since 
thou  wast  very  poor,  and  couldst  scarce  get  bread  for  thy 
family ; yet  thou  hast  since  built  that  palace,  and  livest  plente- 
ously.  Thy  neighbors  also  speak  well  of  thee,  as  thou  makest 
a good  use  of  thy  wealth. 

“ All  this  pleases  me  ; but  I am  persuaded  that  thou  hast 
obtained  riches  in  an  unusual  manner  ; I am  curious  to  know 
how  thou  hast  become  wealthy  ; speak  the  truth,  that,  when  I 
know  thy  story,  I may  rejoice  with  thee.’’ 

Cogia  Hassan  paid  the  usual  homage  to  the  caliph,  and  thus 
obeyed  his  commands. 


THE  STORY  OF  COGIA  HASSAN  ALHABBAL. 

It  is  necessary,  before  I say  anything  to  your  majesty  of 
my  own  affairs,  to  acquaint  you  that  there  are  now  living  in 
Bagdad  two  intimate  friends,  whose  manners  are  much  alike, 
though  their  fortunes  vary  : Saadi  being  very  rich,  while  Saad 
enjoys  with  content  a moderate  competence. 

These  persons  had  long  debated  on  the  different  degrees  in 
life,  and  the  means  of  man’s  advancement  in  it.  Saadi  as- 
serted that,  setting  idleness  and  vice  out  of  the  question,  any 
man  possessing  a moderate  sum  of  money  to  begin  the  world 
with,  must  infallibly  grow  rich.  While  Saad  contended  that 
accident  often  prevented,  and  often  promoted,  the  success  of 
human  affairs. 

As  they  had  frequently  canvassed  this  matter  over,  Saadi 
put  two  hundred  pieces  of  gold  in  a bag,  and  said  to  his  friend, 
“ I have  resolved  to  try  an  experiment,  whether  my  opinion 
is  not  well  founded.  We  will  find  out  some  honest,  diligent 
artisan,  who  is  poor.  I will  give  him  this  sum  to  set  him  for- 
ward ; and  I doubt  not  a few  months  will  prove  the  truth  of 
this  remark. 

I was  the  fortunate  man  with  whom  trial  was  agreed  to  be 
made.  The  friends  came  to  me  while  I was  busy  in  my 
paternal  occupation  of  rope-making.  My  diligent  attention  to 
labor  had  been  often  remarked  by  them  in  the  course  of  their 
dispute  ; and  my  poverty  was  apparent  enough. 

Saadi  questioned  me  on  the  cause  of  my  needy  appearance. 
“ You  are  always  at  work,”  said  he,  “ yet  your  circumstances 


284  ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

do  not  seem  to  improve  ! ’’  Alas,  sir,”  replied  I,  “ let  me  work 
as  hard  as  I will,  I can  hardly  buy  bread  and  pulse  for  my 
family.  I have  a wife  and  five  children  whom  I must  feed  and 
clothe  ; and  in  our  poor  way  they  still  want  a thousand  neces- 
saries which  my  labor  will  not  supply.  It  is  enough  if  we  are 
content  with  the  little  God  sends  us ; satisfied  to  live  in  the 
way  we  have  been  bred  up,  and  thankful  that  we  have  no  occa- 
sion to  ask  charity.” 

But,”  said  Saadi,  “ if  I was  to  give  you  two  hundred  pieces 
of  gold,  do  you  think  that  with  such  a sum  3^ou  could  get  for- 
ward in  the  world  ? ” You  do  not  look,  sir,’’  replied  I,  as 
if  you  meant  to  banter  me  ; I therefore  answer,  seriously,  that 
such  a sum  would,  in  a short  time,  make  me  richer  than  any 
man  of  my  profession  in  Bagdad.”  The  generous  Saadi  soon 
convinced  me  that  he  was  in  earnest,  for,  putting  the  purse 
into  my  hand,  he  said,  “ Here  is  the  sum  which  I mentioned  ; 
take  it,  and  I pray  God  to  bless  you  with  it.  All  the  return  I 
desire  is  to  see  you  make  a good  use  of  it,  and  that  we  may 
have  the  pleasure  to  find  it  has  contributed  to  make  you  hap- 
pier than  you  are  now.” 

I was  transported  with  joy  at  this  unexpected  event,  and 
scarce  knew  how  to  express  my  gratitude.  The  two  friends,  hav- 
ing repeated  their  good  advice,  left  me  ; and  I began  to  consider 
where  I should  bestow  my  treasure,  having  neither  box  nor  cup- 
board to  lock  it  up  in.  I had  been  used,  as  most  poor  people 
do,  when  I had  a little  money,  to  put  it  in  the  foldings  of  my 
turban.  I resolved  to  do  so  with  the  large  sum  ; first  taking  out 
ten  pieces  for  present  necessaries. 

I then  went  and  bought  some  hemp ; and  as  my  family  had 
eaten  no  fresh  meat  for  a long  time,  I went  to  the  shambles  and 
bought  some  for  supper.  As  I was  carrying  my  meat  home  on 
my  head,  a famished  kite  flew  at  it,  and  would  have  snatched 
it  from  me.  In  the  struggle  it  fell  from  my  head,  yet  d still 
kept  hold  of  it.  But  my  turban  falling  off,  and  some  pieces  of 
meat  sticking  to  it,  the  kite  made  a stoop  at  that,  and  catching 
it  up,  flew  away  with  it. 

My  sorrow  for  this  loss  was  inconceivable.  I had  indeed 
laid  out  part  of  the  ten  pieces  in  hemp  ; yet  a great  part  of 
what  was  left  went  to  buy  a new  turban.  My  hopes  were  all 
at  an  end.  But  I can  truly  say,  that  my  greatest  concern  was 
that  I should  be  obliged  to  give  my  benefactor  so  bad  an  ac- 
count of  his  liberal  donation. 

While  the  remainder  of  the  ten  pieces  lasted,  my  little  family 
and  I fared  the  better  for  it ; but  we  soon  returned  to  our  usual 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


285 

poverty.  I did  not,  however,  repine.  God,’’  said  I,  was 
pleased  to  give  me  riches  when  I least  expected  them  ; and 
has  thought  fit  to  take  them  away  from  me  again.  I will 
praise  his  name  for  the  benefits  I have  received,  and  submit 
myself  entirely  to  his  will.” 

In  about  six  months,  as  I was  at  work,  I saw  the  two  friends 
coming  towards  me,  and  heard  Saad  say,  I see  no  difference  in 
the  appearance  of  Hassan  Alhabbal,  but  that  he  hath  got  a new 
turban.  I doubt  you  will  not  find  his  affairs  much  mended.” 

By  this  time  they  were  come  so  near,  that  Saadi,  instead  of 
answering  his  friend,  saluted  me.  “ Well,  Hassan,”  said  he, 
‘ we  do  not  ask  you  how  your  affairs  go  since  we  saw  you ; no 
doubt  they  carry  a better  face.” 

“ Gentlemen,”  replied  I,  “ I have  the  mortification  to  tell 
you,  that  your  bounty  to  me  has  not  prospered  in  my  hands. 
I can  scarce  expect  you  will  believe  the  cause  of  your  disap- 
pointment. I assure  you,  nevertheless,  on  the  word  of  an  hon- 
est man,  that  what  I am  about  to  tell  you  is  exactly  true.”  I 
then  related  to  them  what  had  happened. 

Saadi  heard  my  account  with  incredulity  and  impatience. 
“ What  a fable  have  you  invented,  Hassan,”  replied  he,  in- 
dignantly. “ Kites  are  birds  of  prey  who  seek  only  the  means 
of  gratifying  their  hunger.  Who  ever  heard  of  their  seizing 
turbans?  You  have  done  as  other  idle  fellows  do;  having  un- 
expectedly obtained  a sum  of  money,  you  have  neglected  your 
affairs,  and  squandered  it  in  gratifying  your  appetites.”  The 
manner  in  which  I bore  these  reproaches  convinced  Saadi  that 
I did  not  deserve  them.  He  took  my  part  warmly,  and  with  so 
much  success,  that  Saadi  consented  to  renew  his  experiment, 
and  to  give  me  two  hundred  pieces  of  gold  again. 

When  the  friends  left  me,  I went  home  rejoicing.  Finding 
neither  my  wife  nor  children  at  home,  I separated  ten  pieces 
from  the  two  hundred,  and  tied  up  the  remainder  in  a clean 
linen  cloth  ; but  was  at  a loss  where  to  place  it  that  it  might  be 
safe.  At  last  I cast  my  eyes  on  a large  jar,  which  stood  in  a 
corner,  full  of  bran.  Amidst  this  bran,  which  we  seldom  used, 
I deposited  my  treasure,  and  having  but  little  hemp  in  the 
house,  I went  out  to  buy  some. 

While  I was  gone,  my  wife  returned.  It  chanced  that  a 
sand-man  passed  by,  and,  as  we  wanted  sand,  and  my  wife  had 
no  money  to  buy  any,  she  struck  a bargain  with  the  sand-man 
to  barter  away  the  jar  of  bran  for  <a  supply  of  his  sand,  and  ac- 
cordingly delivered  it  to  him,  with  the  hundred  and  ninety  pieces 
of  gold  at  the  bottom  of  it. 


286 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Soon  after  I returned  laden  with  hemp,  and  in  high  spirits 
for  this  second  unexpected  good-fortune.  But  my  joy  was  soon 
at  an  end  when  I missed  the  jar  of  bran.  I hastily  asked  what 
was  become  of  it,  and  soon  learnt  that  by  an  unaccountable  ac- 
cident, which  I could  neither  foresee  nor  prevent,  my  hopes  of 
fortune  were  again  destroyed. 

But  I was  obliged  to  forget  my  own  sorrow  for  a time,  to 
support  my  wife,  who  was  inconsolable.  Women  are  often  elo* 
quent  in  their  grief.  Her  lamentations  were  excessive.  I rep- 
resented to  her  that  it  was  better  to  • bear  our  loss  patiently, 
than  by  clamorously  lamenting  it  to  excite  the  ridicule  rathef 
than  the  pity  of  our  neighbors.  It  is  true,”  continued  I,  we 
have  twice  had  the  means  of  becoming  rich  in  our  power,  and 
each  time  have  lost  them  by  extraordinary  chances.  But  though 
we  are  poor,  do  we  not  breathe  the  same  air,  and  enjoy  the 
same  light  and  warmth  as  the  wealthy  ? If  our  means  are  still 
slender,  let  our  wishes  continue  moderate,  and  then  the  differ- 
ence between  poor  and  rich  is  but  inconsiderable  ; especially  if 
we  live  as  we  ought  to,  in  the  fear  of  God.”  By  these  argu- 
ments I pacified  my  wife,  and  returning  cheerfully  to  my  labor, 
J very  soon  recovered  my  spirits. 

k considerable  time  afterwards,  as  I was  at  work,  I saw  the 
two  friends  coming  towards  me.  I was  covered  with  confusior., 
and  was  about  to  run  away  and  hide  myself  ; but  recollecting 
that  such  a conduct  would  imply  guilt,  and  though  I was  un- 
fortunate I was  not  criminal,  I determined  to  face  their  re- 
proaches. 

When  they  came  up  to  me,  I directly  told  them  the  par- 
ticulars of  my  last  misfortune^and  that  I was  as  poor  as  ever. 
I added,  “ I see  it  has  pleased  God  that  I am  not  to  be  enriched 
by  your  bounty.  I am  born  to  poverty;  but  my  obligation  to 
you  is  as  great  as  if  your  generous  intentions  had  taken  place.” 

Saadi  heard  me  out,  and  answered  with  good-humor, 
‘‘  Though  all  you  tell  us,  Hassan,  may  be  true,  and  our  disap 
pointment  may  not  be  owing  to  your  idleness  or  extravagance, 
yet  I shall  pursue  this  experiment  no  fqrther.  I do  not  regret 
having  given  you  four  hundred  pieces  of  gold  to  raise  you  in 
the  world  ; I am  only  sorry  I did  not  meet  with  some  other  man 
who  might  have  made  a better  use  of  my  charity.  You  see,” 
said  he,  turning  to  Saad,  “ I do  not  give  up  my  argument.  It 
is  now  your  turn  to  try.  Let  Hassan  be  the  man  ; and  see  if 
without  giving  him  money  you  can  mend  his  fortune.”  Saad 
smiled,  and  having  in  his  hand  a piece  of  lead,  which  he  had 
picked  up  in  his  walk,  he  gave  it  to  me,  saying,  ‘‘  Here,  Hassan, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  287 

take  this ; and  see  if  one  day  you  will  not  give  me  a good  ac- 
count of  it/'  Saadi  laughed  at  his  friend  ; and,  indeed,  J 
thought  he  was  in  jest.  However,  I took  the  lead  and  thanked 
him,  and  put  it  in  my  pocket.  The  gentlemen  pursued  their 
walk,  and  I returned  to  my  work. 

When  I was  going  to  rest,  the  piece  of  lead,  which  I had 
never  thought  of  from  the  time  I received  it,  fell  out  of  my 
pocket.  I took  it  up  and  put  it  cn  the  shelf.  The  same  night 
it  happened  that  a fisherman,  who  lived  just  by,  was  mending 
his  nets,  and  found  a piece  of  lead  was  missing;  it  was  too  late 
to  buy  any,  and  he  must  either  fish  that  night,  or  his  family  go 
without  bread  next  day.  In  this  necessity  he  sent  his  wife  to 
beg  a bit  of  lead  of  any  of  his  neighbors  ; but,  as  it  was  late,  and 
everybody  in  bed,  some  called  out  that  they  had  none,  others 
scolding  her  for  disturbing  them,  and  many  would  give  no  an- 
swer at  all.  The  poor  woman  began  to  despair  of  success,  when 
coming  to  my  door,  she  thought  she  would  try  once  more. 

She  knocked  accordingly,  and  called  out  for  what  she  want- 
ed. I was  in  a sound  sleep  when  she  came  ; but  when  I awoke, 
I recollected  the  piece  of  lead  that  Saad  had  given  me  ; 1 arose 
and  gave  it  to  her.  The  fisherman's  wife  was  so  overjoyed, 
that  she  promised  we  should  have  the  first  cast  of  the  net ; and 
when  she  told  her  husband  what  had  befallen  her,  he  much 
approved  her  promise. 

At  his  first  throw  he  caught  only  one  large  fish,  which  he 
put  by  for  me,  and  on  his  return  gave  it  to  me  according  to  his 
wife’s  promise.  I accepted  my  neighbor’s  present  very  thank- 
fully, and  -carrying  it  home,  told  my  wife  how  I came  by  it. 
“ It  will  be  all,”  said  I,  ‘‘  that  we  can  expect  from  Saad’s 
lead.” 

In  gutting  the  fish,  my  wife  found  a large  diamond,  which 
she  supposed  was  a piece  of  glass.  She  washed  it,  and  gave  it 
to  the  children  for  a plaything.  At  night,  when  the  lamp  was 
lighted,  the  reflection  of  the  light  upon  the  diamond  was  so 
beautiful,  that  they  were  ready  to  scramble  for  it,  all  making  a 
violent  noise. 

There  lived  next  door  to  me  a very  rich  Jew,  who  was  a 
jeweller.  The  noise  the  children  had  made  having  disturbed 
him,  his  wife  came  next  day  to  complain  of  it.  My  wife  told 
her  the  cause  of  the  clamor,  and,  reaching  the  diamond  from 
the  chimney,  showed  her  the  piece  of  glass,  as  she  called  it, 
which  she  had  found  in  the  belly  of  the  fish,  and  which  the 
children  fell  out  about. 

The  Jewess  immediately  knew  it  was  a diamond  of  very 


288 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


great  value.  She  looked  at  for  some  time,  and  then  return- 
ing it  to  my.  wife,  said,  coolly,  ‘‘It  is  a pretty  piece  of  glass 
enough  : I have  got  just  such  another  ; and  as  they  will  match 
together,  if  you  will  sell  me  yours,  I will  give  you  a trifle  for  it.” 
The  children  hearing  this,  began  to  entreat  their  mother  not  to 
sell  their  plaything;  and  to  quiet  them  she  promised  she  would 
not.  The  Jewess  being  thus  disappointed,  took  her  leave ; but 
first  whispered  to  my  wife  the  desire,  if  it  was  sold,  she  might 
be  the  purchaser. 

The  Jewess  hastened  to  her  husband,  who  was  at  his  shop, 
and  told  him  what  had  happened.  She  gave  him  such  an 
account  of  the  diamond,  that  he  sent  her  back  directly,  with 
orders  to  offer  a small  sum  at  first  for  it,  and  so  rise  by  degrees  ; 
but  by  no  means  to  come  away  without  it. 

My  wife  was  surprised  to  see  the  Jewess  come  again  to  our 
house,  for,  as  they  were  rich  and  we  poor,  they  had  always  held 
us  in  contempt.  She  came  now  in  a very  familiar  manner,  and, 
after  talking  of  other  things,  she  carelessly  offered  twenty 
pieces  of  gold  for  the  piece  of  glass.  The  sum  appeared  to 
my  wife  so  considerable,  that  she  told  her  she  could  not  part 
with  it  without  consulting  me. 

When  I came  home  to  dinner,  while  my  wife  was  giving  this 
account,  the  Jewess  entered,  and  repeated  her  offer  to  me.  It 
struck  me  that  Saad  had  given  me  that  piece  of  lead  to  make 
my  fortune,  and  as  I was  revolving  this  in  my  mind,  I did  not 
answer  immediately  ; on  which  the  Jewess  said,  “ If  that  won’t 
do,  I will  give  you  fitty.*' 

She  was  unguarded  for  one  moment,  and  that  was  enough, 
for  I told  her  I knew  it  was  a jewel,  and  of  great  value.  She 
laughed  at  me  ; yet  continued  advancing  in  price,  till,  by  de- 
grees, she  had  offered  me  fifty  thousand  pieces  of  gold.  I then 
I old  her  I would  have  a hundred  thousand  pieces  for  it ; on 
which  she  gave  up  the  matter,  and  we  parted. 

In  the  evening  her  husband  came,  and  desired  to  see  my 
iiamond,  as  he  readily  called  it.  Having  examined  it,  he 
)ffered  me  seventy  thousand  pieces  ; after  much  cavilling  he 
oame  up  to  my  price,  and  paid  me  one  hundred  thousand  pieces 
of  gold,  on  my  delivering  him  the  diamond. 

Being  thus  enriched  beyond  my  imagination,  I determined 
not  to  live  a life  of  idleness.  I took  large  warehouses,  and 
engaged  a number  of  workmen  in  my  own  business  ; and  by 
diligence  and  punctuality  I am  become  the  most  considerable 
merchant  in  my  line. 

7 nf^ver  forgot  how  much  I owed  to  Saad  and  Saadi.  I 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


289 

would  have  gone  and  thrown  myself  at  their  feet,  if  I had 
known  where  they  lived  ; but  I heard  nothing  of  them  for  a 
long  time.  At  length  the  two  friends,  walking  near  my  old 
habitation,  recollected  me,  and  determined  to  inquire  what  had 
become  of  me.  They  were  surprised  to  hear  that  I now  was  a 
great  merchant,  had  built  a large  palace,  and  was  no  longer 
Hassan  Alhabbal,  or  Hassan  the  rope-maker  ; but  Cogia 
Hassan,  or  Merchant  Hassan. 

They  set  out  immediately  for  my  house,  and  as  they  walked, 
Saadi  said,  .‘H  am  overjoyed  that  I have  raised  Hassan’s  for- 
tune, but  cannot  forgive  the  two  lies  he  told  me,  by  which  he 
obtained  four  hundred  pieces  instead  of  two  ; for  neither  I nor 
any  one  can  imagine  he  has  got  rich  by  any  other  means.” 
Saad  smiled  and  was  silent. 

When  they  arrived  at  my  house,  the  grandeur  of  it  struck 
them  so  much  that  they  could  scarcely  believe  it  belonged  to 
the  same  Hassan  they  had  lately  known  in  such  extreme  pov- 
erty. As  soon  as  I saw  them,  I rose  and  ran  to  meet  them, 
and  would  have  kissed  the  hem  of  their  garments  if  they  would 
have  permitted  me.  They  congratulated  me  on  my  good  for- 
tune ; on  my  part  I received  them  with  the  sincerest  joy,  as- 
suring them  that  I had  not  forgotten  that  I had  been  Hassan 
Alhabbal,  or  the  obligations  I owed  them. 

After  they  had  sat  down,  Saadi  said,  I am  very  glad,  Cogia 
Hassan,  to  see  you  in  this  flourishing  situation.  1 have  no 
doubt  but  that  you  have  judiciously  managed  the  four  hundred 
pieces  of  gold  you  received  from  me  ; but  it  vexes  me  that  you 
should  have  invented  two  such  incredible  tales,  when  the  truth 
would  have  done  you  so  much  more  honor.” 

In  answer  to  this  charge  I related  the  manner  in  which  I 
had  obtained  my  wealth.  Saad  rejoiced  exceedingly  in  the 
adventure  ; but  Saadi  was  not  soon  convinced.  “ This  story,” 
said  he,  ‘‘  of  the  fish  and  the  diamond  found  in  his  belly,  is  more 
unlikely  than  those  of  the  kite  and  turban,  or  the  jar  of 
bran  ; be  it  as  it  may,  I am  glad,  Cogia  Hassan,  that  you  are 
no  longer  poor,  and  that  I am  the  cause  of  your  good  fortune.” 
As  I found  it  was  in  vain  to  combat  any  further  the  prejudices 
of  Saadi,  I contented  myself  with  giving  him  a general  answer 
expressive  of  my  gratitude  to  them  both  ; and  desiring  they 
would  pass  the  evening  with  me,  and  go  the  next  day  to  my 
country  house,  which  was  not  far  from  Bagdad,  to  which  they 
agreed. 

We  arrived  there  next  morning,  and,  walking  in  the  garden, 
we  met  my  two  sons  and  their  tutor.  It  was  the  hour  of  their 


290 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS: 


amusement,  and  the  lads  having  found  out  a large  bird’smest 
the  day  before,  had  prevailed  upon  a slave  to  climb  the  tree 
and  get  it  for  them.  He  came  down  with  it  just  as  we 
arrived. 

On  examining  the  nest  we  found  it  was  built  in  a turban. 
The  circumstance  excited  all  our  attention,  and  we  surveyed  it 
closely  ; when  I soon  knew  it  to  be  the  same  turban  the  kite 
had  snatched  from  me.  I pointed  out  to  my  guests  the  im- 
possibility of  any  human  hand  having  formed  such  a nest,  and 
the  apparent  certainty  that  the  turban  must  have  lain  in  the  tree 
a considerable  time.  1 then  ordered  my  slave  to  pull  it  to 
pieces  ; and  in  it  we  found  the  hundred  and  ninety  pieces  of 
gold  in  the  same  bag  in  which  Saadi  had  given  them  to  me. 

My  benefactor  could  not  dispute  so  manifest  a truth.  ‘‘  1 
am  convinced,^’  said  he,  “ that  you  did  lose  the  first  sum  I gave 
you,  and  entirely  acquit  you  of  having  obtained  by  fraud  a 
second  supply  ; but  that  you  lost  the  last  sum  in  a jar  of  bran, 
I cannot  help  doubting  still.  That  money,  I am  yet  inclined 
to  think,  was  the  first  step  to  your  present  opulence.’’  I had 
too  much  gratitude  to  contest  with  Saadi ; I contented  myself 
with  joking  with  him  on  his  incredulity,  and  we  pursued  our 
amusements. 

In  the  evening  we  returned  to  Bagdad  ; and  putting  up  our 
horses,  we  continued  in  the  stable  to  see  them  fed.  By  the 
negligence  of  my  servants,  we  were  out  of  oats  ; and  the  store- 
houses being  all  shut,  I sent  a slave  to  a neighboring  shop  to 
buy  some  bran.  He  returned  with  a jar,  which  he  emptied 
before  us.  Saadi  perceiving  something  bulky  to  fall  out  with 
the  bran,  stooped  to  pick  it  up.  It  was  a linen  cloth — heavy, 
and  tied  very  tight.  Before  he  opened  it,  I recollected  it ; and 
told  him  Providence  would  not  suffer  us  to  part,  till  he  was 
fully  convinced  of  my  integrity.  We  found  in  it  the  other 
hundred  and  ninety  pieces  I had  lost. 

Saadi  embraced  me,  and  acknowledged  himself  overcome. 
We  agreed  to  give  the  two  sums,  so  opportunely  recovered,  to 
the  poor.  I am  rejoiced  to  finish  my  story  by  adding,  that 
Saadi  and  Saad  received  me  into  their  friendship,  which  is  one 
of  the  greatest  felicities  of  my  present  situation. 

The  caliph  listened  to  this  narrative  with  attention.  When 
it  was  finished,  he  said,  “ Cogia  Flassan,  I have  not  in  a long 
time  heard  anything  that  has  given  me  more  pleasure  than  this 
account  of  the  wonderful  manner  in  which  God  has  given  thee 
riches.  Continue  to  return  him  thanks  by  the  good  use  thou 
makest  of  his  blessings.  The  diamond  which  made  thy  fortune 


AJ^ABIAJ\r  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


291 


is  in  my  treasury.  Take  thy  friends  there,  and  I will  order  my 
treasure^  to  show  it  to  them.  Relate  also  thy  story  again  to 
him,  that  he  may  put  it  in  writing,  and  keep  it  with  the  dia- 
mond.” 

The  caliph  then  dismissed  Cogia  Hassan,  Sidi  Nonman, 
and  Baba  Abdallah  ; who,  having  taken  leave  by  the  customary 
salutations,  retired. 

THE  STORY  OF  ALI  BABA,  AND  THE  FORTY  THIEVES. 

In  a town  in  Persia  there  lived  two  brothers,  called  Cassim 
and  Ali  Baba.  Their  father  had  left  the  little  substance  he 
had  between  them ; but  they  were  not  equally  fortunate.  Cassim 
married  a wife  who  had  a large  fortune ; and  became  a wealthy 
and  considerable  merchant.  Ali  Baba  married  a woman  as 
poor  as  himself.  His  whole  substance  consisted  of  three  asses, 
which  he  used  to  drive  to  a neighboring  forest,  and  loaded  with 
wood,  which  he  sold  in  the  town,  earning  thereby  a hard  main- 
tenance for  his  family. 

One  day,  when  Ali  Baba  was  in  the  forest,  and  had  just  cut 
wood  enough  to  load  his  asses,  he  saw  at  a distance  a cloud  of 
dust  which  seemed  to  approach  towards  him.  He  observed  it 
attentively,  and  distinguished  a large  body  of  horsemen.  As 
they  drev/  near,  he  began  to  apprehend  they  might  be  thieves ; 
he  therefore  climbed  a tree,  from  whence  he  could  see  all  that 
passed,  without  being  discovered. 

The  troop  came  directly  to  the  spot  where  Ali  Baba  had 
taken  shelter.  He  counted  forty  of  them.  They  dismounted, 
and  fed  their  horses ; then  taking  olf  their  portmanteaus,  they 
arranged  themselves  under  the  conduct  of  one  who  seemed  to 
be  their  commander.  They  were  in  fact  a gang  of  banditti  who 
made  that  place  their  rendezvous.  The  captain,  traversing 
among  the  shrubs,  said,  ‘‘  Sesame  ” (which  is  a kind  of  corn), 
“ open  ! ” Immediately  a door  opened  in  an  adjoining  rock — 
when  the  captain  and  his  troop  went  in,  and  the  door  shut  again. 

The  thieves  stayed  some  time  within  the  rock  ; and  Ali 
Baba,  who  feared  he  should  be  surprised  if  he  attempted  to 
escape,  sat  very  patiently  in  the  tree  till  they  came  out  again. 
The  captain  came  out  first,  and  stood  at  the  door  till  they  had 
all  passed  him,  when  he  said,  ‘‘  Shut,  Sesame ! ” The  door 
closed  immediately.  Every  man  then  mounted  his  horse;  and 
the  captain  putting  himself  at  their  head,  they  rode  off  together. 

Ali  Baba  stayed  in  the  tree  as  long  as  he  could  see  the  least 
trace  of  the  dust  they  raised.  He  then  descended,  and  pres- 


292 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  EA^TERTAINMENTS, 


ently  found  out  the  door,  and,  remembering  the  words  the  cap- 
tain  had  used,  he  said,  Open,  Sesame  ! ” when  the  door  flew 
wide  open.  He  entered  the  cavern,  which  he  found  spacious, 
and  well  lighted  from  the  top  of  the  rock.  The  door  shut 
after  him  ; but  as  he  knew  how  to  open  it,  he  was  noways 
alarmed.  He  found  in  the  cavern  a great  store  of  rich  mer- 
chandise, and  such  an  immense  quantity  of  gold  and  silver,  as 
convinced  him  that  the  cavern  must  have  been  the  repository 
of  robbers  for  several  generations. 

He  removed  as  many  bags  of  gold  close  to  the  door  as  he 
thought  his  three  asses  could  carry  ; then  pronouncing  the  spell, 
the  door  opened,  and  he  loaded  them,  covering  his  treasure 
with  a few  green  boughs.  When  he  got  home,  he  drove  his 
asses  into  a little  yard,  and,  removing  the  boughs,  he  carried 
the  bags  into  his  house. 

When  Ali  Baba’s  wife  found  the  bags  were  full  of  money, 
she  was  alarmed,  fearing  lest  their  poverty  should  have  betrayed 
him  to  rob  somebody.  He  pacified  her  by  relating  the  story  of 
his  good  fortune.  He  then  emptied  the  bags  on  the  floor, 
which  raised  such  a heap  of  gold  as  delighted  her,  Ali  Baba 
charged  her  to  be  prudent  and  secret.  He  resolved  to  bury 
most  of  his  treasure,  and  to  emerge  from  his  apparent  poverty 
by  degrees  ; but  his  wife  disappointed  his  prudent  purpose.  In 
the  playfulness  of  her  fancy,  she  would  count  the  gold ; but 
finding  that  business  likely  to  be  very  tedious,  resolved  to 
measure  it.  She  went  therefore  to  Cassim’s  house,  who  lived 
just  by,  to  borrow  a small  measure, 

Cassim’s  wife  was  curious  to  know  what  sort  of  corn  Ali 
Baba  had  got.  She  went  to  another  room  to  fetch  the  measure, 
and  before  she  brought  it  to  her,  she  rubbed  the  bottom  all 
over  with  suet.  Ali  Baba’s  wife  went  home,  and  filled  the 
measure  so  often  with  the  gold,  that  she  was  very  much  pleased 
with  the  amount.  When  she  had  done,  she  carried  back  the 
measure,  and  delivered  it  to  the  wife  of  Cassim,  without  observ- 
ing a piece  of  gold  which  stuck  to  the  bottom  of  it. 

When  Cassim’s  wife  saw  the  piece  of  gold,  her  heart  sunk 
within  her.  ‘‘  What ! ” exclaimed  she,  has  Ali  Baba  money 
so  plenty  as  to  measure  it  ? he  whom  we  have  always  despised 
for  his  poverty  ! how  has  he  obtained  l>is  wealth  ? will  he  not 
retort  our  contempt,  and  outfigure  us  } ” She  tormented  her- 
self with  these  reflections  till  her  husband  came  home,  to  whom 
she  related  the  story,  and  produced  the  measure  with  the  piece 
of  gold. 

Cassim  joined  his  wife  in  her  narrow  and  envious  ideas. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


293 


Instead  of  rejoicing  at  his  brother's  change  of  fortune,  he  now 
as  unjustly  hated  him,  as  he  had  before  cruelly  neglected  and 
despised  him.  After  passing  the  night  in  that  uneasiness  which 
base  passions  ever  excite,  be  arose  early  in  the  morning  and 
went  to  Ali  Baba.  Brother,’’  said  he,  ^‘you  are  very  reserved 
in  your  affairs.  You  pretend  to  be  miserably  poor,  yet  have 
gold  in  such  abundance  that  you  measure  it ! ” He  then 
showed  him  the  piece  of  gold  sticking  at  the  bottom  of  the 
measure. 

Ali  Baba  saw  it  was  impossible  to  keep  his  secret  from  his 
brother  ; he  therefore  frankly  related  his  adventure  to  him,  and 
offered  him  half  the  gold  to  conceal  it.  No  ! ” replied  Cassim, 
haughtily,  “ I will  know  where  this  treasure  is,  and  the  means 
of  coming  at  it,  that  I may  go  to  it  when  I please ; if  you  do 
not  agree  to  this,  I will  inform  the  magistrate  of  the  affair  ; when 
you  will  be  well  off  if  you  escape  with  the  loss  of  your  newly- 
gotten  wealth.”  Ali  Baba  knew  this  would  be  the  case  if 
Cassim  informed  against  him ; he  therefore  complied  without 
murmuring ; described  the  spot  to  his  brother  verv  exactly,  and 
told  him  the  words  he  must  use  to  gain  admission. 

Cassim  having  obtained  this  information,  prepared  to  avail 
himself  of  it  with  great  diligence.  He  purchased  ten  mules, 
and  had  large  panniers  made  to  fit  them  exactly ; and  the  next 
morning  he  set  off  before  daybreak,  resolving  to  be  beforehand 
with  his  brother,  and  to  secure  all  the  treasure  to  himself.  He 
readily  found  the  rock  and  the  door : and  when  he  had  pro- 
nounced the  words,  “ Open,  Sesame,”  the  door  flew  open,  and 
he  entered  the  cavern.  He  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  the 
riches  in  it  exceed  his  most  sanguine  expectation.  He  spent 
some  time  in  feasting  his  eyes  with  the  treasure ; after  which  he 
removed  as  many  bags  of  gold  to  the  door  as  he  thought  his 
mules  could  carry,  and  regretted  that  he  had  not  brought  a 
larger  number ; but  when  he  wished  to  open  the  cavern,  his 
thoughts  were  so  full  of  the  great  riches  he  should  possess,  that 
he  could  not  recollect  the  necessary  word.  Instead  of  Sesame, 
he  said,  ‘‘Open,  Barley,”  and  was  much  alarmed  to  find  the 
door  continue  shut.  He  named  several  other  sorts  of  grain  to 
as  little  purpose.  He  walked  about  the  cave  several  hours  with 
all  the  horrors  of  approaching  death,  which  he  knew  must  be- 
fall him  if  the  thieves  found  him  there.  Regardless  of  the 
treasure  that  surrounded  him,  he  passed  his  time  in  lamenting 
his  unjust  treatment  of  his  brother,  and  in  fruitless  attempts  to 
call  to  mind  the  fatal  word,  which  the  more  he  tried  to  re 
member,  was  the  more  absent  from  his  recollection. 


294 


ARABIAJ\r  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Al  length  the  thieves  arrived,  and  seeing  Cassim’s  mules 
straggling  about,  they  were  alarmed.  While  some  of  them 
searched  the  rock,  others,  with  the  captain  at  their  head,  drew 
their  sabres,  went  directly  to  the  door,  and  speaking  the  proper 
words,  it  opened.  Cassim,  who  heard  the  trampling  of  the 
horses,  never  doubted  of  the  coming  of  the  thieves,  or  of  his 
own  certain  destruction.  He  resolved  to  make  one  effort  to 
escape.  He  stood  ready  at  the  door,  and  no  sooner  heard  the 
word  Sesame, than  he  sprang  out  briskly,  and  threw  the 
captain  down  ; but  the  other  thieves  with  their  sabres  pres- 
ently dispatched  him. 

When  they  entered  the  cave,  they  found  all  the  bags  which 
Cassim  had  brought  to  the  door  to  load  his  mules  with.  They 
easily  judged  that  when  he  was  in,  he  could  not  get  out  again  ; 
but  they  could  not  conceive  how  it  was  possible  for  him  to  get 
there  at  all.  They  agreed  to  cut  the  body  into  quarters  and 
hang  them  up  within  the  door  af  the  cave,  tg  terrify  any  other 
person  from  a like  attempt.  Having  settled  this  and  their 
other  affairs,  they  again  took  horse,  and  rode  in  pursuit  of 
booty  as  usual. 

In  the  mean  time,  Cassim’s  wife  became  very  uneasy  at  his 
absence.  She  passed  the  night  in  the  utmost  distress,  con- 
demning her  own  impertinent  curiosity,  and  dreading  the  evils 
which  her  heart  foreboded  had  befallen  her  husband. 

As  soon  as  it  was  light,  she  went  to  Ali  Baba.  Her 
haughty  spirit  was  now  subdued  by  grief  and  fear.  She  told 
him  in  tears,  that  Cassim  had  set  out  for  the  cavern  early  the 
preceding  morning,  and  was  not  yet  returned  ; she,  therefore, 
besought  his  advice  and  assistance.  Ali  Baba  readily  gave  her 
both.  He  requested  her  to  compose  herself,  and  to  keep  the 
whole  affair  a profound  secret ; and  he  set  off  immediately  for 
the  cavern  to  seek  for  his  brother. 

As  he  drew  near  the  rock,  he  was  much  shocked  to  see 
blood  spilled  at  the  door.  When  he  had  pronounced  the 
words,  and  the  cavern  became  open,  he  was  still  more  affected 
at  seeing  the  quarters  of  Cassim  hung  up  on  each  side.  Ali 
Baba  determined  to  pay  him  the  last  duties,  notwithstanding 
his  unbrotherly  behavior.  He  wrapped  up  the  quarters  in 
some  fine  stuffs  which  he  found  in  the  cave,  and  loaded  one  of 
his  asses  with  them  ; but  put  upon  the  other  two  as  m?  .y  bags 
of  gold  as  they  could  carry  ; and  having  covered  tl  whole 
with  wood,  he  entered  the  town  in  the  evening,  drovi  che  two 
asses  laden  with  gold  into  his  own  little  yard,  and  led  the 
other  to  the  house  of  his  late  brother. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMEN7S. 


^95 


Cassim  had  a young  slave,  named  Morgiana,  who  was  re- 
markable for  her  abilities.  Quick,  artful,  and  much  attached 
to  her  master  and  mistress,  she  had  on  many  occasions  discov- 
ered great  talents  and  fidelity.  To  this  slave  Ali  Baba  first 
related  the  catastrophe  which  had  befallen  her  master,  and 
leaving  the  body  to  her  disposal,  he  went  into  the  house  to 
condole  with  his  sister-in-law. 

Cassim’s  wife  saw  by  his  countenance  that  he  brought  fatal 
tidings.  Having  first  adjured  her  to  hear  him  in  silence,  he 
then  told  her  everything  that  had  happened.  When  she  had 
indulged  her  grief  for  some  time,  he  proposed  to  her  that  she 
should  become  his  wife.  I have  now,’’  said  he,  sufficient 
wealth  for  us  all ; my  wife  has  a regard  for  you,  and  I am  sure 
will  not  be  jealous ; and  you  can  noways  dispose  of  yourself 
more  to  your  comfort.”  The  widow  let  him  see  that  she  was 
not  averse  to  this  proposal.  He  then  took  his  leave  and  re- 
turned home. 

Morgiana,  meanwhile,  went  to  a dealer  in  medicines,  and 
bought  an  essence  usually  given  in  cases  of  great  extremity  ; 
being  asked  who  it  was  for,  replied,  weeping,  ‘‘  It  was  for  her 
dear  master,  who  had  been  suddenly  taken  ill,  and  they  had 
scarce  any  hopes  of  his  recovery.”  Having  thus  sent  abroad 
the  news  of  Cassim’s  being  dangerously  ill,  she  prepared  the 
next  morning  to  bury  Him. 

There  was  an  old  cobbler  in  another  part  of  the  town,  who 
was  remarkable  for  opening  his  stall  every  morning  before  day- 
break. To  him  Morgiana  went  at  that  time,  and  putting  a 
piece  of  gold  in  his  hand,  bade  him  take  his  sewing-tackle  and 
follow  her.  Mustapha  (which  was  his  name)  was  a merry  old 
fellow ; and  finding  he  was  so  well  paid  beforehand,  he  jumped 
up  to  go  with  her,  saying  very  pleasant  things  on  the  occasion. 

When  they  had  proceeded  a little  way,  Morgiana  told  him 
it  was  necessary  to  blindfold  him.  The  cobbler  objected  to 
this.  “ I was  afraid,”  said  he,  “ your  pay  was  too  good  to  be 
earned  easily.  You  want  me  to  do  something  against  my 
conscience  and  honor.”  “ God  forbid  1 ” replied  Morgiana, 
putting  another  piece  of  gold  into  his  hand  ; come  along 
with  me,  and  fear  nothing.” 

The  other  piece  of  gold  set  everything  to  rights  with  the 
cobbler’s  honor.  He  submitted  to  be  blindfolded ; in  which 
situation  he  was  led  to  the  room  where  Cassim’s  body  lay. 
“ Sew  me  these  quarters  together  quickly,”  said  Morgiana, 
and  I have  another  piece  of  gold  in  store  for  you.”  MuS' 
tapha  obeyed,  and  having  done  the  business,  was  conducted 


ARABIAN  NIGH7S'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


296 

back  by  Morgiana  in  the  same  manner  he  came,  before  any  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  were  stirring. 

The  body  was  then  put  into  a coffin,  and  when  the  people 
of  the  mosque,  whose  business  it  is  to  wash  the  dead,  offered 
to  perform  their  duty,  they  were  told  it  was  already  done. 
Everything  passed  without  the  least  suspicion.  In  a few  days, 
Ali  Baba  removed  his  goods  to  the  house  of  his  brother’s 
widow,  taking  care  to  convey  the  gold  thither  by  night ; and 
his  marriage  with  his  sister  (which  is  common  in  our  religion) 
was  made  public. 

While  this  was  passing  in  the  town,  the  thieves  had  re- 
turned to  their  cavern,  and  found  that  Cassim’s  body  and 
some  of  their  gold  had  been  taken  away.  “It  is  plain,”  said 
the  captain  to  his  companions,  “ that  we  are  discovered,  and 
that  our  secret  is  known  to  another  besides  him  we  put  to 
death.  We  must  lay  aside  every  enterprise  to  detect  this  in- 
truder ; we  must  risk  every  danger  to  effect  it,  or  our  riches, 
the  reward  of  so  many  gallant  excursions,  will  be  insensibly- 
pilfered  from  us.” 

The  thieves  agreed  to  this  proposal.  “ I expected  no  less,” 
said  the  captain,  “from  your  courage  and  bravery;  nor  do  I 
fear  but  by  judicious  management  we  shall  cut  off  our  enemy 
before  he  has  revealed  our  secret  to  any  other  person,  which  he 
will  scarcely  do  soon.  Let  one  of  us  disguise  himself  as  a 
traveller,  and  go  into  the  town.  He  must  try  if  he  can  hear 
of  any  one  having  been  cruelly  murdered.  If  he  succeeds,  let 
him  find  out  the  house  where* it  happened,  and  then  return  to 
us.  But  more  to  insure  wariness  than  to  guard  against  treach- 
ery, let  us  agree  that,  whoever  goes,  if  he  brings  us  a false  or  im- 
perfect report,  he  shall  pay  for  his  inattention  with  his  head.” 

Without  waiting  for  the  suff»ages  of  Ips  companions,  one 
of  the  party  started  up  and  said,  “ I submit  myself  to  this  law, 
and  think  it  an  honor  to  expose  my  life  by  taking  such  a com- 
mission upon  me.  Only  remember,  that  if  I do  not  succeed,  that 
I neither  wanted  courage  nor  good-will  to  serve  my  troop.” 

The  brave  follow  received  the  thanks  and  applause  of  the 
captain  and  his  comrades.  Next  morning  he  entered  the  town 
by  break  of  day,  and  coming  to  Mustapha’s  stall,  who  was  at 
work,  the  robber  entered  into  conversation  with  him,  and  ob- 
served that  he  must  have  good  eyes  to  see  to  work  so  early. 
“'Good  eyes,”  replied  Mustapha,  testily;  “yes,  yes;  my  eyes 
are  good  enough,  I assure  you.  It  was  but  very  lately  I sewed 
a dead  body  together,  which  had  been  cut  in  quarters,  in  a 
place  where  I had  less  light  than  1 h^ve  here.” 


AI^ABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


297 

The  robber  was  overjoyed  to  find  he  was  so  soon  likely  to 
succeed  in  his  inquiry.  He  asked  Mustapha  many  questions, 
and  at  last,  putting  a piece  of  gold  into  the  old  man’s  hand, 
he  requested  he  would  earn  that  by  showing  him  the  house 
where  he  performed  the  task  he  had  mentioned. 

The  cobbler  accepted  the  gold,  but  said,  “ I cannot  show 
you  the  house,  as  I was  conducted  to  it  blindfolded.” — “ Well,” 
replied  the  robber,  “ let  me  blind  your  eyes,  and  do  you  pro- 
ceed as  nearly  as  you  can  in  the  same  direction  ; and  as  every 
one  ought  to  be  paid,  if  you  will  gratify  me,  I will  give  you 
another  piece  of  gold.” 

Mustapha  wanted  no  further  entreaty.  He  let  the  robber 
blind  him  at  the  end  of  the  street,  and  went  on  till  he  came  to 
the  door  of  Cassim’s  house,  where  Ali  Baba  now  lived.  When 
stopping,  he  said,  I think  I went  no  further  than  here.”  The 
robber,  before  he  pulled  off  the  bandage,  marked  the  door 
with  a piece  of  chalk ; after  which  he  dismissed  Mustapha,  and 
prepared  to  make  a private  inquiry  after  the  owner  of  the  habi- 
tation. 

He  learned  that  the  late  possessor  died  suddenly,  and  that 
Ali  Baba,  who  a very  little  before  was  miserably  poor,  had 
married  the  widow,  and  was  become  wealthy ; but  not  by  this 
marriage,  as  he  had  given  Cassim's  son  all  his  father’s  prop- 
erty. From  these  circumstances  the  robber  was  at  no  loss  to 
conclude  that  Cassim  was  the  person  who  was  slain,  and  that 
Ali  Baba  was  the  other  possessor  of  their  secret.  He  returned 
to  his  companions  with  exultation  ; he  related  to  them  his 
good  fortune ; and  they,  with  many  praises,  congratulated  him 
and  each  other. 

In  the  evening,  the  captain  and  the  spy  set  forward  for 
the  town.  The  whole  troop  followed  in  separate  parties  well 
armed,  and  met  in  the  great  square,  to  act  as  their  leader 
should  direct ; but  when  the  two  former  came  to  the  street 
where  Ali  Baba  lived,  the  robber  could  not  distinguish  the 
house  ; for  Morgiana,  having  taken  notice  of  the  mark  on  her 
master’s  door,  thought  it  had  a particular  appearance  ; she 
therefore  took  a piece  of  chalk,  and  marked  the  doors  of  all 
their  neighbors  so  exactly  like  it,  that  it  was  impossible  to  dis- 
tinguish one  from  another.  The  design  being  thus  rendered 
abortive,  the  thieves  returned  to  the  cavern,  where  their  unfor- 
tunate comrade,  being  condemned  by  their  unanimous  suffrages, 
was  put  to  death. 

But  as  so  much  light  had  been  obtained  by  the  first  adven- 
ture, and  as  the  cutting  off  of  their  enemy  was  of  so  much 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


298 

concern  to  them  all,  another  of  the  troop,  flattering  himself 
that  he  should  succeed  better,  undertook  the  dangerous  busi- 
ness. By  renewing  the  inquiry,  he  easily  found  out  the  house, 
which  he  marked  with  red  chalk  in  a part  remote  from  sight, 
and  returned  with  confidence  to  his  companions.  Nothing  es- 
caped the  watchfulness  of  Morgiana.  The  former  affair  had 
alarmed  her;  and  when  she  saw  the  red  mark,  she  repeated 
the  former  caution,  and  marked  every  house  in  the  street  in 
the  same  manner.  The  second  spy,  therefore,  was  as  unsuc- 
cessful as  the  first.  The  troop,  once  more  disappointed,  re- 
turned to  their  cavern,  and  put  their  other  comrade  to  death, 
agreeably  to  the  law  they  had  all  consented  to. 

The  captain,  grieved  for  the  loss  of  his  two  gallant  com- 
panions, resolved  to  undertake  the  affair  himself. 

Having  found  out  Ali  Baba’s  house,  he  did  not  fix  any 
mark  upon  it,  but  took  so  much  notice  of  it,  that  it  was  impos- 
sible he  could  mistake  it.  He  then  returned  to  his  compan- 
ions, and  laid  before  them  a scheme  to  cut  off  their  adversary 
without  noise  or  danger. 

The  troop  approved  their  captain’s  proposal.  They  pro- 
vided many  large  jars,  some  of  which  they  filled  with  oil;  and* 
and  having  bought  stout  mules  in  the  adjoining  villages,  the 
captain  put  his  troop  into  the  other  jars,  and  placing  them  on 
panniers  on  the  backs  of  mules,  drove  them,  towards  evening, 
into  the  town. 

Going  immediately  to  Ali  Baba’s  house,  he  found  him  sit- 
ting at  the  door,  enjoying  the  cool  of  the  evening.  The  pre- 
tended oil-merchant  requested  Ali  Baba  that  he  would  receive 
him  for  that  night,  as  he  was  a stranger  and  knew  not  where 
to  go.  His  request  was  readily  granted.  The  servants  un- 
loaded the  mules,  and  took  care  of  them  ; and  Ali  Baba  received 
his  treacherous  guest  with  the  hospitality  becoming  a good 
Mussulman. 

Before  they  retired  to  rest,  Ali  Baba  told  Morgiana  that 
he  would  bathe  early  in  the  morning,  and  directed  her  to  have 
his  bathing- clothes  and  some  broth  ready.  This  obliged  her 
to  sit  up  after  her  master  and  his  guest  had  retired  ; and  the 
latter  hearing  it,  resolved  to  lie  down  in  his  clothes,  and  not 
give  the  signal  while  Morgiana  was  stirring,  for  fear  of  a dis- 
appointment. 

It  happened,  while  she  was  busy,  that  her  lamp  grew  dull ; 
and  having  no  oil  in  the  house,  she  recollected  the  jars  in  the 
yard,  from  whence  she  resolved  to  supply  herself.  Upon 
opening  the  first  she  came  to,  the  thief  within  said,  softly,  “ Is 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


299 


it  time  ? ” to  which  Morgiana,  with  admirable  presence  of  mind, 
replied,  “ Not  yet ; but  presently ! She  then  examined  all 
the  jars,  and  found  there  were  in  them  seven-and-thirty  armed 
men,  a few  jars  only  being  filled  with  oil. 

Morgiana  soon  concluded  who  these  men  were.  She  hastily 
called  up  another  slave,  named  Abdallah,  and  bringing  several 
jars  of  oil  into  the  kitchen,  they  heated  a part  of  it  boiling-hot 
This  she  poured  into  one  of  the^’ars,  by  that  means  killing  the 
thief  that  was  concealed  in  it.  She  did  so  till  she  had  destroyed 
all  the  seven-and-thirty  thieves,  when  she  put  out  her  fire  and 
went  to  bed. 

The  captain  had  waited  with  great  impatience  for  her  doing 
so.  As  soon  as  all  was  quiet,  he  went  to  his  window  and 
threw  stones  at  the  jars,  which  was  the  signal  agreed  on  for 
his  companions  to  release  themselves.  Finding  none  of  them 
stir,  he  began  to  be  uneasy,  ind  repeated  the  signal  two  or 
three  times.  He  then  became  impatient  and  alarmed  ; and 
hastening  down  to  the  jars,  he  opened  one  of  them.  The 
steam  of  the  boiling  oil  soon  informed  him  of  the  fate  of  his 
friends.  He  had  the  resolution  to  open  every  jar,  in  hopes 
that  some  of  them  might  have  escaped,  but  in  vain : they  were 
all  dead.  The  captain  was  so  enraged  at  the  failure  of  his 
design,  and  at  the  loss  of  so  many  brave  fellows,  that  he  would 
certainly  have  sacrificed  his  own  life  in  a public  attack  on  Ali 
Baba,  had  not  hopes  of  more  complete  vengeance  darted  into 
his  mind,  and  encouraged  him  to  make  his  escape. 

In  the  morning,  Morgiana  acquainted  her  master  with  what 
had  happened.  Ali  Baba,  grateful  for  such  important  services, 
gave  her  her  freedom,  and  a large  sum  of  money ; but  she 
was  so  much  attached  to  the  family,  that  she  continued  to  live 
with  them,  and  superintend  the  other  slaves  in  their  business. 

The  captain  of  the  thieves  returned  to  the  forest  in  a trans- 
port of  rage  and  despair.  When  he  arrived  at  the  cavern,  the 
loneliness  of  the  place  seemed  frightful  to  him.  Where  are 
you,  my  brave  lads!’’  cried  he,  ‘‘my  old  companions?  how 
unhappy  to  lose  you  by  a fate  so  base  1 had  you  died  with  your 
sabres  in  your  hands,  I should  not  have  been  inconsolable. 
Where  shall  I get  so  gallant  a troop  again  ? But  first  let  me 
sacrifice  the  wretch  to  whom  I owe  this  fatal  .misfortune.”  He 
then  endeavored  to  compose  his  mind,  that  he  might  the  more 
safely  and  effectually  execute  his  revenge  on  Ali  Baba. 

The  captain  suffered  several  weeks  to  pass  by  before  he 
set  abon^'  the  scheme  he  had  planned  for  the  destruction  of  his 
enemy.  By  this  means  he  hoped  Ali  Baba’s  vengeance  would 


300 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


relax,  and  he  himself  should  be  more  cool  in  his  measures. 
He  passed  much  of  his  time  in  the  town,  where  he  learned 
that  Cassim’s  son,  now  adopted  by  Ali  Baba,  had  a very  con- 
siderable shop. 

He  also  took  a shop,  which  he  plentifully  supplied  from  the 
cavern  with  ail  sorts  of  rich  stuffs.  He  appeared  as  a mer- 
chant, and  having  a large  assortment  of  valuable  goods,  was 
treated  by  everybody  with  respect.  Young  Cassim  was  among 
those  who  sought  the  regard  of  the  new  merchant,  and  soon 
became  his  declared  favorite.  He  loaded  the  young  man  with 
civilities,  often  made  him  small  presents,  and  invited  him  con- 
tinually to  dine  and  sup  with  him. 

As  young  Cassim  did  not  keep  house,  he  had  no  opportunity 
to  return  these  obligations.  He  therefore  introduced  the 
stranger  to  Ali  Baba,  who  received  him  very  cordially.  When 
evening  drew  on,  the  captain  appeared  desirous  to  take  his 
leave  ; but  his  host,  who  was  much  taken  with  his  pleasant 
manner,  pressed  him  to  stay  to  supper.  After  some  excuses, 
the  pn  mded  merchant  said,  ‘‘  I would  accept  your  friendly  in- 
vitation, but  I eat  no  salt  in  any  of  my  food.”  ‘‘Well,”  replied 
Ali  Baba,  “we  will  have  the  supper  dressed  without  any.” 

When  Morgiana  received  this  direction,  she  was  much  dis- 
satisfied. “ Who  is  this  difficult  man,”  said  she,  “ that  eats  no 
salt?”  “Be  not  displeased  with  him  for  that,”  replied  Ali 
Baba ; “ he  is  my  son’s  friend,  and  an  honest  man.” 

Though  Morgiana  obeyed  her  master,  and  sent  up  supper 
as  he  desired,  she  was  still  uneasy  at  the  request  his  new  guest 
had  made  ; she  therefore  carried  in  one  of  the  dishes  herselt 
on  purpose  to  look  at  him.  The  moment  she  entered  the 
room  she  knew  him,  notwithstanding  his  disguise,  and  examin- 
ing him  pretty  closely,  she  saw  a dagger  under  his  garment 
“ 1 am  not  surprised,”  thought  she,  “ that  this  wretch,  who  is  my 
master’s  greatest  enemy,  will  eat  no  salt  with  him,  since  he 
intends  to  assassinate  him  ; but  I will  prevent  him.” 

Accordingly,  as  soon  as  supper  was  removed,  she  entered 
the  room  dressed  like  a dancer,  with  a silver  girdle,  to  which 
hung  a poniard  of  the  same  metal.  She  played  on  a tabor,  and 
danced  several  dances  with  great  spirit.  At  length,  drawing 
the  poniard,  she  pointed  with  it  to  a little  chink  in  the  side  of 
the  tabor,  where  spectators  generally  give  their  gratuity  to  those 
who  dance  for  a livelihood ; and  going  to  Ali  Baba,  he  put  in  a 
piece  of  gold,  as  did  his  son.  She  then  drew  near  the  visitor, 
and,  while  he  was  putting  his  hand  in  his  purse,  plunged  the 
poniard  into  his  bosom. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  EASTER TAINMENI'S. 


30] 


Ali  Baba  and  his  son  cried  out  against  her  for  this  violent 
act ; but  she  soon  called  to  their  recollection  the  pretended  oil- 
merchant,  and  showed  the  arms  he  had  concealed.  The  un- 
fortunate robber  confirmed  her  testimony,  by  lamenting,  before 
he  expired,  amidst  his  execrations  and  despair,  that  he  was  the 
last  of  the  forty  thieves  to  whom  the  cavern  had  belonged. 

Ali  Baba  received  with  due  gratitude  this  further  instance 
of  Morgiana's  attachment ; and  Cassim  was  so  much  pleased 
with  her  spirit  and  good  sense,  that  he  took  her  to  wife.  The 
whole  treasure  in  the  cavern  became  now  safely  the  property  of 
Ali  Baba.  He  taught  his  son  the  secret,  which  he  handed 
down  to  posterity ; and  using  this  good  fortune  with  modera- 
tion, they  lived  in  great  honor,  serving  the  chief  offices  of  the 
city. 


THE  STORY  OF  ALI  COGIA,  MERCHANT  OF  BAGDAD. 

There  lived  at  Bagdad  a reputable  merchant,  named  Ali 
Cogia,  of  a moderate  fortune  ; contented  with  his  situation,  and 
therefore  happy. 

It  happened  that  for  three  nights  following  he  dreamed  that 
a venerable  old  man  came  to  him,  and  with  a severe  look, 
reprimanded  him  for  not  having  made  a pilgrimage  to  Mecca. 
Ali  Cogia  knew,  that  as  a good  Mussulman,  it  was  his  duty  to 
undertake  such  a pilgrimage,  but  he  contented  himself  with 
determining  to  set  about  it  some  distant  day  ; when  that  day 
came,  he  was  never  without  an  excuse  to  postpone  his  journey, 
and  renew  his  resolution. 

These  dreams  awakened  his  conscience.  He  converted  his 
substance  into  cash,  half  of  which  he  laid  out  in  merchandise, 
to  traffic  with  as  he  journeyed.  The  other  half  he  deposited  in 
a jar,  which  he  filled  with  olives,  and  requested  a friend  of  his 
to  suffer  it  to  remain  in  his  warehouse  till  the  caravan  should 
return  from  Mecca.  He  mentioned  it  as  a jar  of  olives  only, 
without  saying  a word  of  the  money  at  the  bottom  of  it.  Nou- 
reddin,  which  was  the  name  ®f  his  friend,  very  obligingly  gave 
him  the  key  of  his  warehouse,  and  desired  him  to  set  his  jar 
where  he  pleased,  promising  it  should  remain  untouched  till  his 
return. 

When  the  caravan  was  ready,  Ali  Cogia  set  out  for  Mecca, 
where  he  performed  very  exactly  all  those  ceremonies  which  are 
observed  at  that  holy  place.  The  duties  of  his  pilgrimage  being 
completed,  he  went  to  Cairo,  and  thence  to  Damascus,  trading 


302 


ARABTAAT  mCHTS'  ENTERTAmMEATTS, 


all  the  way  to  considerable  advantage.  Having  a great  desiiu 
to  see  the  world,  he  went  to  other  celebrated  cities,  taking 
Jerusalem  in  his  way,  that  he  might  view  the  temple,  which  is 
looked  upon  by  all  Mussulmans  to  be  the  most  holy,  after  that 
of  Mecca.  In  short,  he  took  so  long  a journey,  that  seven 
years  elapsed  before  he  returned  to  Bagdad. 

All  this  time  the  jar  of  olives  stood  undisturbed  in  Nou- 
reddin’s  warehouse.  But  it  so  fell  out,  a few  days  before  Ali 
Cogia  came  home,  that  the  wife  of  Noureddin  chanced  to  wish 
for  some  olives.  This  brought  to  his  mind  the  jar  his  friend 
had  left  with  him  so  long  ago.  Fie  determined  to  open  and 
examine  them.  His  wife  in  vain  represented  to  him  how  base 
and  dishonorable  it  was  to  meddle  with  anything  left  in  his 
hands  as  a trust.  Noureddin  was  obstinate  ; he  opened  the 
jar,  and  found  all  the  olives  at  the  top  were  mouldy.  Hoping 
to  find  them  better  at  the  bottom,  he  emptied  them  all  out,  and 
with  them  turned  out  the  bag  of  gold  which  Ali  Cogia  had 
deposited  there. 

Noureddin  was  a man  whose  general  conduct  was  specious. 
He  was  exceedingly  careful  to  preserve  his  reputation.  But  in 
his  heart  he  was  a slave  to  avarice  ; and  like  all  other  very 
covetous  men,  he  was  as  honest  as  his  interest  obliged  him  to 
be.  At  the  sight  of  so  much  money,  he  determined  to  seize  it, 
and  finding  it  impossible  to  replace  the  olives  so  as  to  appear 
as  they  were  before,  he  open  the  jar,  threw  them  away,  and 
filled  it  with  new  ones. 

When  Ali  Cogia  arrived,  his  first  care  was  to  visit  Nou- 
reddin. This  traitor  affected  great  joy  to  see  him  again  after 
so  long  an  absence  ; and  of  his  own  accord  offered  him  the  key 
of  his  warehouse  to  fetch  his  jar. 

When  Ali  Cogia  had  conveyed  the  jar  home  and  turned  it 
out,  he  was  surprised  to  see  that  his  gold  had  been  taken  away. 
He  returned  to  Noureddin,  and  endeavored,  by  friendly  rea- 
soning, to  prevail  with  him  to  do  justice.  The  base  merchant 
was  callous  to  every  consideration  of  that  kind.  He  concluded 
that,  as  Ali  Cogia  could  produce  no  proof  of  his  having  lodged 
treasure  in  the  jar,  his  own  general  fair  character  would  bear 
him  out  against  one  who  had  been  absent  so  long  that  he  was 
almost  unknown  in  his  native  city.  Nor  was  he  mistaken.  The 
cady,  hearing  Ali  Cogia’s  complaint,  called  upon  Noureddin 
for  his  defence  ; who  said,  “ ’Tis  true  that  Ali  Cogia,  seven 
years  ago,  at  his  own  request,  left  a jar  in  my  warehouse,  which 
he  told  me  was  filled  with  olives.  I never  saw  the  jar.  He 
carried  it  thither  himself,  left  it  where  he  pleased,  and  found  it 


ARABTAJV  N/GHTS’  EArTERTAIJVMENTS. 


303 


in  the  same  place,  covered  as  he  left  it.  He  did  not  place  it  in 
my  care  as  a treasure.  He  has  no  witness  to  prove  that  he  put 
a treasure  in  it.  Might  he  not  as  well  have  demanded  a jar  of 
diamonds  ? In  short,  I declare  that  I never  had  this  money, 
or  even  knew  there  was  any  in  the  jar ; this  I am  ready  to 
declare  on  my  oath.’’  The  cady,  finding  Ali  Cogia  could  bring 
no  testimony  to  confirm  his  bare  assertion,  determined  the 
affair  by  a short  process  ; and  admitting  Noureddin  to  justify 
himself  on  oath,  dismissed  the  complaint.  The  sufferer  did 
not  so  easily  put  up  with  his  loss.  He  appealed  to  the  caliph, 
and  a day  was  fixed  for  the  hearing  in  the  divan,  Noureddin 
being  duly  summoned  to  attend. 

The  evening  before  the  cause  was  to  come  on,  the  caliph 
and  his  vizief  were  walking  in  disguise  about  the  city,  when 
they  met  with  a group  of  children,  and  heard  one  of  them  say, 
“ Come,  let  us  play  at  the  cady.  I will  be  the  cady  ; bring  Ali 
Cogia,  and  the  merchant  who  cheated  him  of  his  gold,  before 
me.”  The  caliph,  being  reminded  by  these  words  of  the  cause 
which  was  to  come  before  him  next  day,  attended  to  the  motions 
of  the  children. 

The  pretended  cady  took  his  seat.  Presently  one  of  the 
children,  representing  Ali  Cogia,  repeated  his  complaint  ; and 
another,  as  Noureddin,  made  the  same  answer  he  had  done 
and  offered  to  confirm  his  innocence  by  an  oath.  Another  boy 
was  about  to  administer  the  oath,  but  the  imaginary  cady  pre 
vented  him,  saying,  Let  me  see  the  jar  of  olives.”  It  wa5 
supposed  to  be  brought  forward  ; and  each  party  owned  it  to 
be  the  identical  jar  in  dispute.  The  young  cady  then  ordered 
it  to  be  opened,  and  pretended  to  eat  some  of  the  fruit.  “ These 
olives,”  said  he,  “ are  excellent ; I cannot  think  they  have  been 
kept  for  seven  years.  Send  for  a couple  of  olive-merchants.’’ 

Two  other  lads  stood  forward  as  olive-merchants.  The 
pretended  cady  demanded  how  long  olives  would  keep  fit  to 
eat.  They  answered,  That  with  the  utmost  care  they  would 
lose  their  taste  and  color  by  the  third  year.”  ‘‘  Look,  then,’^ 
said  the  young  cady,  ‘‘  into  that  jar,  and  tell  me  how  old  those 
olives  are.” 

The  two  imaginary  merchants  seemed  to  examine  and  taste 
the  olives,  and  reported  them  to  be  new  and  good.  New  ! ” 
replied  the  judge ; “ Noureddin  is  ready  to  swear  they  have 
stood  seven  years  in  his  warehouse  ! ” “ It  is  impossible,’® 

said  the  young  merchants  ; we  know  better,  and  are  sure  that 
these  olives  are  of  the  present  year’s  growth.” 

The  imaginary  criminal  would  have  replied,  but  the  youn^ 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


J04 

cady  would  not  hear  him.  “ You  are  a rogue/’  said  he,  and 
ought  to  be  hanged.”  The  children  put  an  end  to  their  play, 
by  clapping  their  hands  with  a great  deal  of  joy,  and  seizing 
the  criminal  to  carry  him  to  execution. 

The  caliph  listened  to  what  passed  with  much  attention ; 
and  after  musing  a few  moments,  he  ordered  his  grand  vizer  to 
find  out  the  boy  who  had  represented  the  magistrate,  and  bring 
him  to  the  divan  next  morning.  He  directed  the  cady  and  two 
olive-merchants  to  attend  ; and  sent  orders  to  Ali  Cogia,  that 
he  should  bring  the  jar  of  olives  with  him. 

When  the  divan  met,  and  all  the  parties  attended,  the  child 
was  presented  to  the  caliph,  who  asked  him  if  it  was  he  who 
determined  the  cause  last  night  at  play,  between  Ali  Cogia  and 
Noureddin.?  The  boy  modestly  answered,  ‘Ht  was.”  The  ca- 
liph seeing  the  child  was  awed  by  his  presence,  embraced  and 
commended  him.  ‘‘  You  shall  now,  my  dear,”  said  he,  “ decide 
between  the  real  parties ; come,  and  sit  down  by  me.”  Then 
turning  to  Ali  Cogia  and  his  adversary,  he  bade  them  plead 
their  cause  before  that  child,  who  should  do  them  both  justice. 
“ If,”  continued  the  caliph,  ‘‘  he  should  be  at  a loss,  I will 
assist  him.” 

The  attention  of  every  one  present  was  turned,  in  an  extraor- 
dinary degree,  to  this  singular  trial.  Ali  Cogia  and  Noureddin 
pleaded  against  each  other  much  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
children  had  done  the  evening  before  ; when  Noureddin  offered 
to  take  his  oath,  the  boy  said,  “ It  is  too  soon  ; let  us  see  the 
jar  of  olives.” 

An  examination  of  the  quality  and  age  of  the  fruit  now  took 
place  ; everything  which  had  passed  among  the  children,  in 
their  play,  was  repeated,  seriously,  before  the  caliph,  in  the 
divan.  The  treachery  of  Noureddim  was  apparent,  when  the 
child,  instead  of  ordering  him  to  be  hanged,  looked  up  to  the 
caliph,  and  said,  “ Commander  of  the  Faithful,  this  is  not  play  ; 
it  is  your  majesty  that  must  condemn  him  to  death,  and  not 
me,  though  I did  it  last  night  among  my  comrades.” 

The  caliph,  fully  convinced  of  Noureddin’s  villany,  ordered 
him  into  the  hands  of  his  ministers  of  justice,  to  be  hanged 
immediately;  and  confiscated  his  effects  to  the  use  of  Ali  Cogia. 
Then  turning  to  the  cady,  the  monarch  reprehended  him  severe- 
ly, and  bade  him  learn  from  that  child  how  to  do  his  duty  in  the 
future.  At  the  close  of  the  divan,  the  caliph  again  embraced 
the  boy,  and  sent  him  home  to  his  parents  with  a purse  of  gold 
and  the  applause  his  early  abilities  deserved. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  ENCHANTED  HORSE. 

On  the  Nevrouz,  that  is  to  say,  the  new  day,  which  is  the 
first  of  the  year,  and  the  beginning  of  the  spring,  there  is  an 
ancient  and  solemn  feast  observed  through  all  Persia,  which  has 
continued  from  the  time  of  idolatry  ; nor  could  the  pure  religion 
of  our  holy  prophet  prevail  over  that  heathenish  custom. 
Superstitious  ceremonies,  mixed  with  public  rejoicings,  mark 
the  Nevrouz,  which  is  celebrated  in  every  town  and  village  in 
that  extensive  kingdom. 

At  the  court,  this  feast  is  always  attended  with  the  greatest 
splendor  ^ and  it  was  some  years  ago  a custom  that  all  artists, 
natives  or  strangers,  were  allowed  at  that  time  to  produce  their 
several  inventions  before  the  king  ; who  never  failed  to  confer 
liberal  rewards  on  those  whose  abilities  deserved  them. 

Near  the  close  of  one  of  those  feasts,  an  Indian  presented 
himself  before  the  king,  having  an  artificial  horse  of  the  most 
perfect  workmanship,  richly  accoutred.  ‘‘  I flatter  myself,  sir,” 
said  the  Indian,  addressing  himself  to  the  king,  “ that  your 
majesty  hath  never  seen  anything  so  wonderful  as  this  horse, 
either  now,  or  at  any  former  Nevrouz.”  The  king  surveyed  the 
horse  with  attention.  I see  nothing,”  said  he,  ‘‘  but  a fine 
piece  of  sculpture,  which  any  able  artist  may  equal.” 

Sir,”  replied  the  Indian,  “ it  is  not  his  form,  but  his  use 
that  I commend  so  highly.  On  his  back  I can  convey  myself 
through  the  air,  to  the  most  distant  part  of  the  earth,  in  a very 
short  time.  I can  even  instruct  any  other  person  to  ride  in  the 
same  manner.  Such  is  the  curiosity  I have  the  honor  to  pre- 
sent to  your  majesty’s  notice.” 

The  king  was  highly  pleased  with  this  account  of  the  In- 
dian’s horse,  and  desired  to  see  a proof  of  his  abilities.  ‘‘  There 
is,”  said  the  king,  pointing  to  a mountain  about  three  leagues 
off,  on  the  summit  of  that  mountain,  a palm-tree  of  a particu- 
lar quality,  which  I should  know  from  all  others  ; go,  fetch  me 
a branch  of  it.” 

The  Indian  mounted  his  horse,  and  turning  a peg  which 
was  in  the  neck,  away  he  flew  with  him,  and  they  were  presently 
out  of  sight.  Within  a quarter  of  an  hour  he  was  seen  return- 
ing with  a palm-branch  in  his  hand,  which,  as  soon  as  he  had 
descended  and  alighted,  he  laid  at  the  king’s  feet. 

The  king  was  greatly  pleased  with  this  extraordinary  per- 
formance, and  resolved  to  purchase  the  horse  if  he  could  pre- 
vail with  the  owner  to  part  with  him.  Accordingly,  he  asked 


3o6  ARABiA7\r  nights^  entertainments. 

the  Indian  if  he  was  to  be  sold.  Sir/^  replied  the  Indian, 
I should  not  have  produced  my  horse  to  your  majesty,  if  it 
had  been  absolutely  impossible  for  me  to  sell  him.  Yet  the 
artist  from  v^hom  I received  him,  laid  me  under  the  most 
solemn  injunction  that  I should  never  part  with  him  for  money ; 
nor  indeed  on  any  terms,  but  such  as  I might  request  your  par- 
don before  I presume  to  name  them.” 

The  king  impatiently  answered  that  he  forgave  his  demand, 
even  if  it  was  to  reach  his  crown ; but  he  reserved  to  himself 
the  power  of  refusal,  if  he  thought  that  demand  too  exorbitant. 
The  Indian  then  replied  that  he  was  ready  to  resign  his  horse 
if  his  majesty  would  condescend  to  bestow  on  him  the  princess, 
his  daughter,  in  marriage. 

When  the  courtiers  heard  this  extravagant  request,  they  all 
burst  into  loud  laughter  ; but  the  prince  Firouz  Schah,  the  only 
son  of  the  king,  was  enraged,  and  the  more  so  when  he  saw  the 
king  pensive,  debating  with  himself  what  answer  to  return 
Going  up  to  his  father,  he  said,  I entreat  your  majesty  wit 
pardon  the  liberty  I am  about  to  take  ; but  is  it  possible  you 
can  hesitate  a moment  what  answer  to  make  to  this  insolent 
fellow  ? Can  you  bear  to  think  of  degrading  our  house  by  an 
alliance  with  a scandalous  juggler  } ” 

The  king  approved  of  his  son’s  spirit,  but  argued  that  if  he 
refused  to  comply  with  the  Indian’s  proposal,  perhaps  some 
other  sovereign  might  be  less  nice,  and  by  that  means  become 
possessed  of  the  greatest  curiosity  in  the  world.  He  concluded 
his  discourse  by  desiring  his  son  to  examine  the  horse  atten- 
tively, and  give  his  opinion  of  him. 

Respect  for  his  father  made  him  receive  these  orders  in 
silence.  He  approached  the  horse,  and  the  Indian  drew  near 
to  instruct  the  prince  in  the  method  of  managing  him  ; but  the 
young  man  was  in  too  great  a fury  to  listen  to  him.  He  spurned 
the  kneeling  Indian  with  the  most  hearty  indignation,  and  leap- 
ing into  the  saddle  he  turned  the  peg,  and  the  horse  flew  away 
with  him. 

The  Indian  was  exceedingly  alarmed  when  he  saw  the 
prince  depart  before  he  had  learned  how  to  manage  the  horse. 
He  threw  himself  once  more  at  the  king’s  feet,  and  besought 
his  majesty  not  to  impute  to  him  any  accident  which  might  befall 
the  prince,  since  his  own  impetuosity  only  had  exposed  him  to 
danger.  The  king  had  no  apprehension  for  his  son,  till  he  saw 
the  Indian  so  terrified.  He  then  felt  all  the  horrors  of  the 
prince’s  situation.  He  execrated  the  Indian  and  his  fatal  horse, 
and  ordered  his  officers  to  seize  and  conduct  him  to  prison. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


307 

“If  my  son  does  not  return  safe/’  said  he,  ‘‘in  a short  time, 
thy  paltry  life,  at  least,  shall  be  sacrificed  to  my  vengeance.” 

In  the  mean  time,  Firouz  Schah  was  carried  through  the  air 
with  inconceivable  swiftness,  till  at  length  he  could  scarcely 
discern  the  earth  at  all.  He  then  wished  to  return,  which  he 
expected  to  do,  by  turning  the  peg  the  contrary  way  ; but  when 
he  found  the  horse  continued  to  rise  from  the  earth,  and  pro^ 
ceed  forward  at  the  same  time  with  greater  swiftness,  he  was 
alarmed,  and  began  to  regret  his  pride  and  anger.  He  turned 
the  peg  about  every  way  to  no  purpose ; in  this  situation  he 
retained,  notwithstanding,  a perfect  presence  of  mind,  and,  on 
examining  the  horse  closely,  he  at  last  perceived  another  peg 
behind  the  ear.  On  turning  that  peg,  he  presently  found  that 
he  descended  in  the  same  oblique  manner  that  he  had  mounted, 
but  not  so  swiftly. 

As  he  drew  near  the  earth,  he  lost  the  light  by  degrees, 
till  he  came  into  total  darkness.  He  did  not  attempt,  there' 
fore,  to  guide  the  horse ; but  waited  patiently,  though  not 
without  apprehension,  till  he  should  alight. 

It  was  midnight  when  the  horse  stopped,  and  Firouz  dis' 
mounted,  faint  with  hunger  and  fatigue.  He  groped  about  and 
found  he  was  on  the  leads  of  some  large  building.  At  length 
he  came  to  some  steps,  which  he  descended,  and  rambled 
about  in  the  dark  for  some  time ; at  last,  on  opening  a door, 
he  found  a light,  and  saw  a number  of  black  eunuchs  asleep 
on  pallets,  with  their  sabres  lying  by  them.  This  convinced 
him  that  he  was  in  a palace,  and  that  this  chamber  was  the 
guard-room  of  some  princess.  As  he  knew  if  any  of  the 
eunuchs  should  awake,  he  should  be  in  great  danger,  he  re- 
solved to  enter  the- next  apartment,  and  throw  himself  on  the 
mercy  of  the  lady  who  inhabited  it. 

He  found  there  asleep  on  a sofa  a young  lady,  whose  ex- 
quisite beauty  captivated  his  heart  the  moment  he  beheld  her. 
Her  women  were  sleeping  in  little  beds  around  her  The 
prince  gazed  on  her  for  a long  time,  forgetful  of  his  situation  ; 
and,  at  length,  by  an  involuntary  impulse,  he  knelt  down,  and 
gently  pulling  her  hand  towards  him,  he  kissed  it. 

The  motion  awakened  the  princess,  who  was  surprised  to 
find  a stranger  at  her  bedside.  She  would  have  cried  out,  but 
Firouz  besought  her  patience.  He  told  her  that  he  was  the 
son  of  a king,  and  that  a very  extraordinary  accident,  which 
he  would  'te.  nad  brought  him  to  the  necessity  of  claiming 
her  protect^ 

The  la^^  the  daughter  of  the  king  of  Bengal.  Many 


AJ^AB/AN-  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


308 

of  her  attendants  were  by  this  time  awakened.  She  told  Firouz, 
therefore,  that  she  should  be  glad  to  hear  the  particulars  of 
his  adventure  in  the  morning,  but  for  the  present  besought  him 
to  withdraw.  At  the  same  time  she  ordered  her  attendants  to 
conduct  him  to  a chamber,  and  supply  him  with  such  refresh- 
ments as  he  wanted. 

The  prince  attended  her  the  next  day,  and  related  to  her 
all  the  particulars  of  the  arrival  of  the  Indian  with  his  horse, 
of  his  insolent  demand,  and  its  consequences.  He  concluded 
his  account  of  his  journey  by  observing,  that,  how  much  soever 
he  had  been  enraged  at  the  Indian,  he  now  began  to  consider 
him  as  a benefactor ; Since,’’  added  he,  “ he  has  been  the  cause 
of  my  being  known  to  a lady  whose  chains  I shall  be  proud  to 
wear  as  long  as  I live.” 

The  princess  received  this  compliment  in  such  a manner 
as  showed  it  was  very  acceptable  to  her.  She  invited  the 
prince  to  repose  a few  days  in  her  palace,  to  recover  himself 
from  the  fatigue  and  alarm  he  had  undergone.  He  accepted 
this  invitation ; and  being  much  together,  they  became  more 
and  more  enamored  with  each  other.  And,  at  last,  when 
filial  duty  obliged  Firouz  to  think  of  returning  to  Persia,  the 
fond  Princess,  fearing  she  should  see  him  no  more,  dropped  a 
hint  that  she  should  not  be  afraid  to  trust  herself  with  him  on 
the  enchanted  horse  ; and  the  prince,  equally  enamored,  failed 
not  to  confirm  her  in  this  rash  disposition. 

Everything  being  agreed  on  between  the  lovers,  they  re- 
paired, one  morning  at  daybreak,  to  the  leads  where  the  horse 
still  remained;  and  having  turned  his  head  towards  Persia, 
Firouz  assisted  the  princess  to  mount  him.  He  then  placed 
himself  before  her,  and  turning  the  peg,  they  were  out  of  sight 
before  any  of  the  attendants  in  the  palace  were  stirring ; and 
in  two  hours  the  prince  discovered  the  capital  of  Persia. 

He  would  not  alight  at  the  king’s  palace,  but  directed  his 
course  to  a neat  pleasure-house,  in  a wood,  a little  distance 
from  town,  that  he  might  inform  his  father  who  the  lady  was, 
and  secure  her  a reception  suitable  to  her  dignity.  When  they 
alighted,  he  led  her  into  a handsome  apartment,  and  ordered 
the  keeper  of  the  house  to  show  her  all  imaginable  respect. 
He  then  hastened  to  the  palace,  where  the  king  received  him 
with  unspeakable  joy.  Firouz  related  to  his  father  all  that  had 
befallen  him,  and  the  king  was  so  delighted  with  his  son’s  safe 
arrival,  that  he  readily  complied  with  his  desire  that  the  nup- 
tial ceremonies  between  him  and  the  princess  should  be  imme- 
diately celebrated. 


ARABIAAT  mGI/TS'  ENTER  TAINMENJB. 


309 

While  the  necessary  preparations  were  making,  the  king 
ordered  the  Indian,  who  was  to  have  been  executed  the  next 
day,  to  be  released  from  prison,  and  brought  before  him. 

My  son’s  safe  arrival,”  said  the  king  to  him,  “ hath  preserved 
thy  life.  Take  thy  horse,  and  begone  from  my  dominions  j 
where,  if  thou  art  ever  seen  again,  I will  not  fail  to  put  thee  to 
death.”  The  Indian  being  then  freed  from  his  chains,  and  set 
at  liberty,  withdrew  in  silence. 

But  he  meditated  a severe  revenge.  He  had  learned  from 
those  who  fetched  him  out  of  prison,  that  Firouz  had  brought 
home  with  him  a beautiful  princess,  to  whom  he  was  about  to 
be  married.  He  was  told  also  that  she  was  at  the  house  in 
the  wood,  where  he  was  directed  to  go  and  take  away  his  horse. 
While  Firouz  was  preparing  a good  retinue  to  conduct  the 
princess  in  great  state  to  the  palace,  the  Indian  hastened  to 
the  house  in  the  wood,  and  told  the  keeper  he  was  sent  by  the 
prince  to  conduct  her,  on  the  horse,  to  the  capital ; and  that 
the  whole  court  and  people  were  waiting  with  impatience  for  the 
wonderful  sight. 

The  keeper  knew  that  the  Indian  had  been  imprisoned  on 
account  of  the  prince’s  absence  ; and,  seeing  him  now  at  liberty, 
he  believed  all  he  said.  He  presented  the  traitor  to  the  prin- 
cess, who  not  doubting  but  he  came  from  Firouz,  readily  agreed 
to  go  with  him.  The  Indian,  overjoyed  at  his  success,  mounted 
his  horse,  took  the  princess  behind  him,  and  turning  the  peg, 
the  horse  immediately  ascended  into  the  air.  The  king  and 
his  whole  court  were  on  the  road  to  the  house  in  the  wood,  to 
conduct  the  princess  of  Bengal  from  thence  to  the  palace ; 
when  the  Indian,  to  brave  them,  and  revenge  the  severe  treat- 
ment he  had  received,  passed  several  times  over  their  heads 
with  his  prize.  The  rage  and  grief  of  the  king  were  extreme. 
He  loaded  the  Tavisher  with  a thousand  execrations,  in  which 
he  was  joined  by  the  courtiers  and  people.  The  Indian,  having 
expressed  his  contempt  for  them,  and  his  triumph  over  the 
ting  and  his  son,  his  horse  set  forward,  and  was  presently  out 
<)f  sight. 

But  who  can  describe  the  horror  and  despair  of  Firouz, 
when  he  saw  his  beloved  princess  torn  from  him  by  a vile 
Indian,  whom  he  before  detested  ; and  found  himself  unable 
to  alford  her  the  least  assistance.  At  first  he  abandoned  him- 
self to  despair ; but  recollecting  that  such  a conduct  would 
neither  recover  the  princess  nor  punish  the  ravisher,  he  re- 
strained his  affliction,  and  began  to  consider  how  he  could  best 
effect  these  desirable  ourposes.  He  put  on  the  habit  of  a 


310 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


dervis,  and  left  the  palace  the  same  evening,  uncertain  which 
way  to  go,  but  determined  not  to  return  till  he  had  found  his 
princess  again,  and  could  bring  her  with  him. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Indian  having  pursued  his  journey 
for  several  hours,  alighted  in  a wood,  near  the  capital  of  Casch- 
mire.  As  he  was  hungry  himself,  and  doubted  not  but  the 
princess  was  so  too,  he  left  her  by  the  side  of  a brook,  and 
flew  away  on  the  horse  to  the  city,  to  procure  provisions.  The 
princess  made  the  best  use  in  her  power  of  his  absence ; and 
though  faint  for  want  of  food,  she  travelled  on,  and  had  got  a 
considerable  distance  from  the  place  where  the  ravisher  left 
her,  when  she  had  the  mortification  to  see  him  return,  and 
alight  close  by  her  ; for  the  Indian  had  wished  to  be  set  down 
wherever  the  princess  was,  and  the  horse  always  obeyed  the 
desire  of  the  rider. 

The  Indian  produced  some  wine  and  provisions,  and  ate 
heartily,  urging  her  to  follow  his  example,  which  she  thought 
it  best  to  do.  When  they  had  done,  he  drew  near  and  began 
to  take  certain  liberties  with  the  princess,  which  she  repulsed 
with  indignation.  The  slave,  irritated  at  this  opposition,  de- 
termined to  use  violence,  and  had  begun  to  do  so,  when  her 
outcries  drew  a company  of  horsemen  to  her  assistance. 

They  proved  to  be  the  sultan  of  Caschmire  and  his  attend- 
ants, returning  from  a day’s  hunting.  When  the  sultan  de- 
manded of  the  Indian  why  he  used  the  lady  so  roughly,  he 
boldly  answered  that  she  was  his  wife  ; but  the  princess,  though 
she  knew  not  the  quality  of  the  sultan,  besought  his  protection, 
and  declared,  that  by  the  basest  deceit  only  she  had  been  thrown 
into  the  power  of  such  a reptile. 

The  sultan  of  Caschmire  was-very  amorous.  The  disorder 
and  distress  of  the  princess  added  to  her  beauty,  and  excited 
the  desires  of  the  monarch.  He  was  not  nice  in  gratifying 
them  ; and  judging  that,  whether  the  Indian  was  the  husband 
or  the  ravisher  of  the  lady,  he  would  be  best  out  of  the  way,  he 
pretended  to  be  much  enraged  against  him,  and  oraered  his 
head  to  be  struck  off  immediately.  He  then  conducted  the 
princess  to  his  palace,  and  directed  his  attendants  to  bring 
the  horse  after  them,  though  he  knew  nothing  of  the  use  of  it. 

The  princess  of  Bengal  rejoiced  at  her  deliverance.  She  en- 
tertained hopes  that  the  sultan  of  Caschmire  would  generously 
restore  her  to  the  prince  of  Persia  ; but  she  was  much  deceived  ; 
for  as  soon  as  the  sultan  learned  that  she  was  daughter  to  the 
king  of  Bengal,  he  altered  his  views  with  respect  to  her.  He 
determined  to  marry  her,  and  that  no  untoward  circumstances 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


311 

might  happen  to  prevent  it,  he  ^ave  orders  for  the  necessary 
preparations  to  be  completed  by  the  next  day. 

In  the  morning,  the  princess  was  awakened  early  by  the 
sounding  of  trumpets,  the  beating  of  drums,  and  other  noisy 
tokens  of  public  joy,  which  echoed  through  the  palace  and  city. 
On  her  asking  the  cause  of  this  rejoicing,  she  was  told  it  was  to 
celebrate  her  marriage  with  their  sultan,  which  was  to  take  place 
presently. 

The  princesses  attachment  to  Firouz  would  have  made  any 
other  man’s  address  disagreeable  to  her.  But  this  conduct  of 
the  sultan  of  Caschmire  in  prpclaiming  their  nuptials,  without 
even  having  asked  her  consent,  at  once  enraged  and  terrified 
her.  She  was  entirely  in  his  power  ; and  the  disrespect  he  had 
paid  her,  convinced  her  that  she  had  everything  to  fear  from 
his  violence,  if  she  refused  to  comply  with  his  wishes. 

Thus  critically  situated,  she  had  recourse  to  art.  She  arose 
and  dressed  herself  fancifully,  and  in  her  whole  behavior  ap- 
peared to  her  women  to  be  unsettled  in  her  intellects.  The 
sultan  was  soon  apprised  of  this  misfortune,  and  on  his  ap- 
proach she  put  on  the  appearance  of  frenzy,  and  endeavored  to 
fly  at  him  ; and  this  fury  she  ever  after  affected  whenever  he 
came  in  her  sight.  The  sultan  was  much  disturbed  at  this  un- 
fortunate event,  as  he  thought  it,  and  offered  large  rewards  to 
any  physician  who  could  cure  her,  but  the  princess  would  not 
suffer  any  one  to  come  near  her,  so  that  all  hope  of  her  recov- 
ery began  to  despaired  of. 

During  this  interval,  Firouz,  disguised  as  a dervis,  had 
travelled  through  many  provinces,  full  of  grief,  and  uncertain 
which  way  to  direct  his  course  in  search  of  his  beloved  prin- 
cess. At  last,  passing  through  a town  in  India,  he  heard  an 
account  that  a princess  of  Bengal  had  run  mad  on  the  day  of 
the  celebration  of  her  nuptials  with  the  sultan  of  Caschmire. 
Slender  as  was  the  hope  that  such  a report  gave  him,  he  re- 
solved to  travel  to  the  capital  of  that  kingdom  ; where,  when 
he  arrived,  he  had  the  happiness  to  find  he  had  not  journeyed 
in  vain.  He  learned  all  the  particulars  of  her  having  been  de- 
livered from  the  Indian  by  their  sultan,  and  that  the  very  next 
day  she  was  seized  with  madness. 

Firouz  saw  at  once  the  reason  of  the  princess’s  conduct, 
and  was  delighted  with  this  tender  proof  of  her  love  and  con- 
stancy to  him.  All  the  difficulty  which  remained,  was  to  ob- 
tain an  opportunity  of  speaking  to  her.  To  gain  this,  he  put 
on  the  habit  of  a physician,  and,  presenting  him'self  to  the 
sultan,  undertook  to  cure  the  princess. 


312 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


His  services  being  accepted,  he  desired  first  to  see  ner, 
without  being  seen  by  her.  For  this  purpose  he  was  conveyed 
into  a closet,  whence  he  saw  her  unobserved  ; she  was  care- 
lessly singing  a song,  in  which  she  deplored  her  unhappy  fate, 
which  had  forever  deprived  her  of  the  object  she  loved  so  ten- 
derly. When  he  quitted  the  closet,  he  told  the  sultan  she  was 
not  incurable,  but  that  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  speak  with 
her  alone  ; and  that  notwithstanding  her  violent  fits  at  the 
sight  of  physicians,  he  knew  how  to  make  her  attend  to  him. 

As  the  princess  had  been  long  thought  incurable,  the  sultan 
made  no  difficulty  of  complying  with  the  supposed  physician^s 
request.  As  soon  as  he  entered  her  apartment,  she  began  to 
rave  at  him  in  her  usual  furious  manner,  on  which  he  went  up 
close  to  her,  and  said,  in  a low  voice,  ‘‘  I am  the  prince  of 
Persia.’’ 

The  princess  ceased  to  rave,  and  the  attendant  withdrew, 
rejoiced  at  this  proof  of  the  physician’s  abilities.  After  mutual 
congratulations,  Firouz  acquainted  her  with  the  plan  he  had 
formed  for  her  deliverance.  He  then  returned  to  the  sultan, 
who  demanded  eagerly  what  hopes  he  now  entertained.  The 
pretended  physician  shook  his  head,  and  said,  “ All  depends 
upon  a mere  chance ; the  princess,  a few  hours  before  she  was 
taken  ill,  had  touched  something  that  was  enchanted  ; unless  I 
can  obtain  that  something,  be  it  what  it  may,  I cannot  cure  her.” 

The  sultan  of  Caschmire  presently  recollected  the  horse, 
which  was  still  preserved  in  his  treasury.  He  showed  it  to  the 
imaginary  physician,  who,  on  seeing  it,  very  gravely  said,  ‘‘  1 
congratulate  your  majesty  on  the  certainty  of  my  success. 
Let  this  horse  be  brought  out  into  the  great  square  before  the 
palace,  and  let  the  princes^:  attend  ; I will  engage  in  a few 
minutes  she  shall  be  perfectly  cured.” 

Accordingly,  the  following  morning  the  horse  was  placed  in 
the  middle  of  the  square,  and  the  supposed  physician  drew  a 
large  circle,  and  placed  around  it  chafing  dishes,  with  a little 
fire  in  each.  The  sultan,  full  of  expectation,  with  all  his  nobles 
and  ministers  of  state,  attended.  The  princess  being  brou^’"*' 
out  veiled,  was  conducted  within  the  circle,  and  placed  by  the 
physician  on  the  saddle  of  the  enchanted  horse.  He  then  went 
round  to  each  chafing  dish,  and  threw  in  a certain  drug,  which 
presently  raised  such  a cloud  of  smoke,  that  neither  the  physi- 
cian, the  princess,  nor  the  horse,  could  be  seen  through  it.  At 
that  instant  the  prince  of  Persia  mounted  the  horse  ; and,  turn- 
ing the  peg,  while  the  horse  ascended  into  the  air,  he  distinctly 
pronounced  these  words ; “ Sultan  of  Caschmire,  when  thou 


ARABIAAT  mCHTS'  EATTERTAINMEA 


313 

wouldst  marry  princesses  who  implore  thy  protection^  'Vurn  first 
to  obtain  their  consent/’ 

The  same  day  the  prince  of  Persia  and  his  beloved 
arrived  safely  at  his  father’s  court,  when  their  nuptial* 
immediately  celebrated  with  the  greatest  splendor. 


THE  STORY  OF  PRINCE  AHMED  AND  THE  FAIRY 
PARIBANON. 

There  was  a sultan  named  Mirza,  who  had  peaceably  filled 
the  throne  of  India  many  years  ; and  had  the  satisfaction  in  his 
old  age  to  have  three  sons,  the  imitators  of  his  virtues,  and  a 
niece,  who  was  the  ornament  of  the  court.  The  eldest  of  the 
princes  was  named  Houssain  ; the  second,  Ali ; the  youngest, 
Ahmed.  The  princess  was  called  Nouronnihar,  or  daylight. 

Nouronnihar,  in  virtue,  beauty,  and  wit,  was  distinguished 
beyond  all  the  princesses  of  her  time.  The  sultan  proposed  to 
marry  her,  when  she  became  of  a proper  age,  to  some  neighbor- 
ing prince  ; but  when  that  time  arrived,  his  sons  were  each  of 
them  passionately  in  love  with  their  cousin.  The  sultan  saw 
this  with  great  concern.  He  dreaded  lest  this  rivalry  among 
the  young  men  should  destroy  their  happiness  and  his  own. 
He  tried  in  vain  to  persuade  each  in  turn  to  give  up  his  preten- 
sions, or  at  least  to  refer  his  claim  to  the  decision  of  the  lady. 
Having  reasoned  with  them  apart  to  no  purpose,  the  sultan 
called  them  together,  and  after  lamenting  that  they  all  so  ob- 
stinately pursued  a happiness  which  only  one  of  them  could 
enjoy,  he  proceeded  thus  : “ I have,  my  sons,  hit  upon  an  ex- 
pedient, which,  by  leaving  something  to  chance,  and  more  to 
diligence,  will,  I hope,  decide  your  contest,  without  destroying 
your  fraternal  love.  I would  have  each  of  you  travel  for  a 
twelvemonth,  not  as  princes,  but  as  private  merchants.  I will 
give  you  a large  sum  of  money,  and  he  that  brings  home  the 
greatest  rarity  shall  receive  Nouronnihar  as  his  reward.” 

The  proposal  was  so  fair  and  impartial,  that  the  three 
princes  readily  agreed  to  it.  Accordingly,  they  set  out  the 
next  morning,  each  attended  by  a trusty  officer,  in  the  habit  of 
a slave.  They  travelled  together  the  first  day  ; and  lay  at  an 
inn  where  the  road  divided  in  three  different  tracks.  They 
supped  in  great  harmony,  and  agreed  to  return  to  the  same  inn, 
ai,  th^  end  of  the  year,  and  wait  for  each  other,  that  they  might 
go  together  their  father’s  palace.  The  next  morning,  at 
break  of  day,  they  embraced  each  other,  and  mounted  their 
horses,  each  taking  a diliereat  road. 


314 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Prince  Houssain  had  beard  much  of  the  grandeur,  strength, 
and  riches  of  the  kingdom  of  Bisnagar.  He  bent  his  course 
thither,  and  after  five  months’  severe  travelling,  he  arrived  safe 
in  the  capital  of  that  kingdom.  He  lodged  in  a khan  appointed 
for  foreign  merchants,  and  when  he  had  recovered  from  his 
fatigue,  he  took  a survey  of  the  city. 

It  was  formed  into  four  divisions,  in  the  centre  of  which 
stood  the  royal  palace.  The  division  which  chiefly  engaged 
the  attention  of  the  prince  was  that  where  the  merchants  sold 
their  various  commodities.  It  was  large,  and  divided  into 
many  streets,  all  vaulted,  and  shaded  from  the  sun,  yet  very 
light.  The  shops  were  all  of  a size,  and  built  exactly  alike. 
All  the  people  that  dealt  in  the  same  sort  of  goods  lived  in  one 
street ; as  did  also  the  mechanics,  who  kept  their  shops  in  the 
smaller  streets. 

Prince  Houssain  was  much  pleased  at  seeing  such  large 
stocks  of  all  sorts  of  merchandise.  The  finest  linens  from 
India,  painted  in  the  most  lively  colors  ; silks  and  brocades 
from  Persia;  porcelain  from  Japan  and  China;  but  when  he 
came  to  the  shops  of  the  jewellers  and  goldsmiths,  the  prodigious 
quantity  of  jewels  of  every  sort,  and  of  wrought  gold  and  silver, 
astonished  him  ; nor  was  he  less  amazed  at  the  general  riches 
of  the  people,  when  he  learned  that,  except  the  bramins  and 
others  who  professed  a voluntary  poverty,  there  was  scarce  an 
Indian,  man  or  woman,  but  what  wore  necklaces,  bracelets, 
and  ornaments  of  pearl  and  other  jewels  about  their  legs  and 
feet,  which  appeared  with  great  lustre,  as  they  were  blacks. 

Another  matter  took  much  of  the  prince’s  attention,  which 
was  the  great  number  of  rose-sellers  that  crowded  the  streets  ; 
for  the  Indians  were  such  great -admirers  of  that  flower,  that 
none  of  them  would  stir  without  a nosegay  in  his  hand,  or  a 
garland  on  his  head,  so  that  the  air  was  perfectly  perfumed. 

Having  fully  satisfied  his  curiosity,  he  began  to  apply  him- 
self seriously  to  the  business  of  his  journey.  He  passed  many 
days  among  the  merchants,  and  became  acquainted  with  many 
of  them,  but  was  not  able  to  find  anything  so  rare  as  to  meet 
his  wishes. 

As  he  was  sitting  one  day  in  a shop,  he  saw  a crier  pass 
by  with  a piece  of  tapestry  on  his  arm,  about  six  feet  square, 
which  he  cried  at  thirty  purses.  He  called  the  crier,  and  ex- 
amined the  tapestry,  which  seemed  to  be  of  so  ordinary  a 
quality,  that  the  prince  could  not  comprehend  why  so  extrava- 
gant a price  was  set  on  it.  The  crier,  who  took  him  for  a mer- 
chant, told  him,  as  he  was  surveying  it,  that  though  it  was 


ARABIAN  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


315 

cri^d  at  thirty  purses,  he  had  orders  to  raise  it  to  forty,  and 
not  to  part  with  it  for  less.  ‘‘Certainly,^’  said  the  prince, 
“there  must  be  some  merit  in  this  tapestry,  which  one  cannot 
see;  for  it  does  not  appear  to  be  worth  so  many  purses  ! 

“ You  are  in  tbe  right,’’  replied  the  crier  ; “ the  reason  this 
tapestry  is  of  such  high  value  is,  that  whoever  sits  on  it  may 
be  transported  in  an  instant  to  whatever  place  he  desires,  with- 
out being  stopped  by  any  obstacle.” 

It  struck  Prince  Houssain  that  he  could  not  hope  to  meet 
with  a greater  curiosity.  He  asked  the  crier  how  he  should  be 
convinced  it  possessed  such  a quality ; to  which  he  replied,  “ I 
suppose,  sir,  you  have  not  so  much  money  about  you ; I will 
spread  the  tapestry,  and  we  will  both  sit  on  it.  You  shall  form 
the  wish  to  be  in  your  khan,  and  if  we  are  not  both  there  im- 
mediately, it  shall  not  be  a bargain.”  To  this  fair  proposal 
the  prince  agreed.  The  experiment  was  made,  and  succeeded 
completely.  He  paid  the  crier  the  forty  purses,  and  congrat- 
ulated himself  on  his  good  fortune. 

Houssain  could  have  returned  home  directly,  but  his  honor 
would  not  permit  him  to  violate  his  engagement  with  his 
brothers. 

He  devoted,  therefore,  the  remainder  of  the  year  to  the 
acquiring  of  knowledge.  He  visited  the  court  of  the  king  of 
Bisnagar,  and  viewed  everything  curious  in  the  city  which  he 
had  not  already  seen.  He  informed  himself  in  everything 
respecting  the  manners  and  police  of  the  country,  and  the 
strength  and  riches  of  the  sovereign. 

Amidst  the  public  buildings,  his  attention  was  much  engaged 
by  a temple  of  idols  which  was  built  of  brass.  It  was  ten 
cubits  square,  and  fifteen  high.  The  principal  idol  was  the 
height  of  a man,  of  massive  gold  ; its  eyes  were  rubies,  so 
artificially  set,  that  it  seemed  to  look  at  the  spectator  in  what- 
ever direction  he  stood.  There  was  also  another  very  curious 
temple  at  a little  distance  from  the  metropolis,  in  the  midst  of 
a large  plain,  which  was  formed  into  an  elegant  garden  ; there 
was  raised  a terrace,  in  the  middle  of  which  was  a temple 
adorned  with  a great  variety  of  paintings  and  sculptures. 

Superstitious  ceremonies  were  performed  every  night  and 
morning  in  this  temple,  and  these  were  always  followed  by 
sports,  music,  dancing  and  feasting.  The  ministers  of  this 
temple  were  supported  entirely  by  the  offerings  of  pilgrims  who 
came  in  great  numbers  from  the  most  distant  parts  of  the 
kingdom. 

Before  Prince  Houssain  left  the  city,  there  was  a solemn 


310 


ARABIAN  mGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


teast  celebrated,  at  which  all  the  governors  and  judges  of 
towns,  and  the  most  celebrated  bramins,  were  obliged  to  be 
present,  though  some  lived  so  far  off  as  to  be  four  months  in 
coming.  At  this  meeting,  the  king  gave  solemn  audiences  to 
the  travellers,  and  to  many  other  strangers  who  applied  After 
which  the  assembly  resembled  an  immense  fair,  where  musi- 
cians, stage-players,  and  other  artists  endeavored  to  engage  the 
attention  of  the  people.  Many  of  these  performed  their  amuse- 
ments on  castles  erected  on  the  backs  of  elephants,  whose  trunks, 
ears,  and  bodies  were  painted  in  very  grotesque  characters. 

These  unwieldy  animals  were  trained  by  their  masters  to 
display  tricks  which  show  great  docility  in  the  beast.  One  of 
them  surprised  Prince  Houssain  by  standing  with  his  forefeet 
on  a post,  and  beating  time  to  music  with  his  trunk.  Another 
performed  a more  extraordinary  feat  nearly  of  the  same  nature  ; 
for,  though  placed  on  a board  which  formed  a seesaw,  and  was 
balanced  by  weights  at  the  other  end,  he  still,  amidst  that  mo- 
tion so  unnatural  to  him,  beat  time  also  to  music  with  great 
exactness. 

As  the  time  of  returning  drew  on,  Houssain  began  to  be 
impatient.  His  passion  for  his  lovely  cousin  had  increased  by 
absence,  and  he  fancied  he  should  be  more  easy  if  he  was 
nearer  to  her.  He  caused,  therefore,  the  officer  who  attended 
him  to  sit  down  with  him  on  the  tapestry,  and  they  were  in- 
stantly transported  to  the  inn,  at  which  he  had  agreed  to  meet 
his  brothers  , where  he  appeared  as  a merchant,  till  they 
arrived. 

Prince  Ali,  the  second  brother,  went  to  the  capital  of  Persia, 
where  he  passed  much  of  his  time  in  the  bezestein,  among  the 
merchants.  As  he  was  conversing  with  some  of  them,  he  ob- 
served a salesman  in  the  market,  with  an  ivory  perspective 
glass  in  his  hand,  about  a foot  long,  which  he  offered  to  sell, 
demanding  fifty  purses  for  it. 

The  salesman  presented  it  to  the  prince,  who  had  the  com- 
plaisance to  receive  it  from  him,  though  he  thought  he  was 
mad  to  ask  such  a price  for  it.  He  fitted  it  to  look  through, 
and  the  salesman  was  about  to  explain  the  use  of  it,  but  thai 
was  rendered  unnecessary  ; for  as  Nouronnihar  was  ever  present 
to  the  prince’s  imagination,  he  chanced,  as  he  raised  the  glass 
to  his  eye,  to  wish  he  could  see  her  with  it.  He  was  astonished 
when,  on  looking  through  the  glass,  he  beheld  the  princess  at 
her  toilet,  laughing,  with  her  women  about  her. 

He  put  the  glass  to  his  eye  the  second  time,  and  wished  to 
see  his  father;  when  he  immediately  saw  the  sultan  sitting  on 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


317 


his  throne,  in  the  midst  of  his  council.  He  tried  the  glass 
again  by  desiring  to  see  first  his  brother  Ploussain,  and  then 
his  brother  Ahmed  ; in  both  which  cases  he  succeeded. 

Prince  Ali  considered  this  glass  as  a curiosity  that  could 
nowhere  be  matched.  He  paid  the  sum  demanded  for  it,  and 
was  overjoyed  at  his  bargain,  being  assured  that  neither  of  his 
brothers  would  be  able  to  meet  with  anything  so  curious,  and 
that  the  princess  Nouronnihar  would  be  the  reward  of  his 
fatigue  and  trouble. 

Prince  Ahmed  took  the  road  to  Samarcand,  where  he  re* 
sided  some  time,  without  anything  of  consequence  occurring  to 
him.  He  associated  much  with  men  of  science,  to  whom  his 
abilities  rendered  him  an  agreeable  companion.  Among  these 
respectable  associates  he  learned  that  a celebrated  philosopher 
of  that  country  had  composed  an  artificial  apple,  the  smell  of 
which  cured  all  disorders  ; that  this  invention  had  been  of  no 
use  to  the  author,  who  being  seized  with  a sudden  illness  a 
great  way  from  home,  where  his  apple  was,  had  died.  It  was 
added  that  the  widow  was  poor,  and  wished  to  sell  it ; but  that 
she  asked  sixty  purses  for  it ; no  one  in  that  country  was  rich 
enough  to  purchase. 

Ahmed  listened  to  this  discourse  with  great  attention.  He 
concluded  that  if  he  had  heard  a true  account  of  this  artificial 
apple,  it  was  not  only  the  most  curious,  but  the  most  useful 
thing  in  the  world.  He  applied  to  the  widow  of  the  philoso- 
pher, and  having  by  repeated  experiment  proved  the  virtues 
of  the  apple,  he  paid  her  the  price  she  demanded,  and  took 
possession  of  it  with  the  highest  satisfaction.  The  year  draw- 
ing to  a close,  he  joined  a caravan,  and  arrived  in  perfect 
health  at  the  inn,  where  he  found  the  princes  Houssain  and 
Ali  waiting  for  him. 

When  the  three  brothers  met,  they  embraced  each  other 
with  great  affection.  After  some  general  conversation,  Ali 
asked  his  brothers  how  long  since  they  had  arrived.  ‘‘I  have 
been  here,’’  replied  Houssain,  “ three  months.”  ‘"You  did 
not  travel  far,  then,”  said  Ali.  “ I was  five  months  before  I 
reached  the  end  of  my  journey,”  answered  Houssain,  “ and 
then  stayed  four  months  at  the  city  I then  arrived  at.”  “ I 
cannot  comprehend  how  this  is  possible,”  replied  Ali,  “ unless 
you  flew  back  ! ” 

Houssain,  without  answering  Ali,  addressed  himself  to  both 
his  brothers,  and  said,  “ As  we  are  within  a day’s  journey  of 
our  father’s  court,  and  our  hopes  respecting  our  beloved  cousin 
must  soon  be  decided,  let  us,  with  the  frankness  becoming 


3 1 8 ARABTAJV  NTGITTS'  enter  tatnments. 

brothers,  produce  now  our  curiosities,  that  we  may  judge  to 
whom  our  father  will  give  the  preference.”  He  then  produced 
his  tapestry,  and  told  them  the  qualities  of  it ; at  the  same 
time  remarking  to  his  brother  Ali,  that  it  was  by  his  tapestry 
only  that  he  could  explain  the  riddle  of  his  journey  and  return. 

Prince  Ali  produced  his  perspective  glass,  and  described 
its  virtues,  after  which  he  put  it  into  the  hand  of  his  elder 
brother.  Houssain  raised  the  glass  to  his  eye,  and  wished  to 
see  the  princess  Nouronnihar.  Instantly  he  turned  very  pale, 
and  was  seized  with  great  agitation.  “ Alas,  my  brothers ! ” 
said  he,  “ our  contest  is  at  an  end,  and  we  shall  none  of  us 
possess  our  lovely  cousin.  Nouronnihar  now  lies  at  the  point 
of  death ! ” 

Ali  and  Ahmed  each  hastily  snatched  the  gluss,  and  were 
convinced  Houssain’s  account  was  too  true.  The  two  elder 
brothers  were  resigning  themselves  to  despair,  but  Ahmed  pro- 
ducing his  apple,  said,  ‘‘  You  have  not  asked  for  my  curiosity, 
brothers,  which  can  in  an  instant  repair  all  this  mischief.  If  a 
sick  person,  though  in  the  last  agonies,  smells  at  this  apple,  it 
will  restore  him  to  perfect  health  immediately.  All  we  have 
to  do,  then,  is  to  set  off  this  moment,  and  proceed  to  the  palace 
with  the  utmost  dispatch.” 

Ali,  who  had  again  raised  the  glass  to  his  eye,  cried  out. 
It  will  be  too  late  ! it  will  be  too  late  ! alas,  she  is  now  ex- 
piring ! ” Houssain,  hearing  this,  spread  his  tapestry  hastily, 
and  placing  his  brothers  on  it,  wished  them  and  himself  in  the 
princess’s  bedchamber.  They  found  themselves  there  in  an 
instant.  Ahmed,  not  having  had  time  to  put  by  his  apple, 
had  it  in  his  hand,  and  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  run  in> 
mediately  to  the  expiring  princess,  and  by  putting  it  to  her 
nose  arrested  the  fleeting  spirit. 

After  the  apple  had  been  held  to  her  for  a short  time, 
Nouronnihar  seemed  as  if  she  was  awakened  from  a trance. 
Her  face  was  no  longer  convulsed,  she  breathed  freely,  she 
opened  her  eyes,  and  began  to  converse  with  her  attendants  : 
she  presently  found  herself  perfectly  recovered.  Her  slaves 
had  been  terrified  at  the  sudden  appearance  of  three  men 
among  them ; and  the  eunuchs  were  ready  to  punish  their  in- 
trusion, but  recollected  the  princes  in  time.  When  the  attend- 
ants saw  the  effect  of  Ahmed’s  apple,  they  were  overjoyed  ; 
the  princess  also  paid  her  respects  to  her  cousins,  and  ex- 
pressed her  gratitude  to  Ahmed.  After  which  the  princes 
withdrew,  and  went  to  throw  themselves  at  the  feet  of  the 
sultan. 


AKABIAI^  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


319 

Their  father  received  them  with  the  greatest  joy,  accepted 
and  applauded  their  presents  as  they  deserved ; and  congratu- 
(ated  them  as  well  on  their  safe  return  as  on  the  recovery  of 
the  princess.  But  when  they  pressed  him  to  decide  their  pre- 
tensions to  Nouronnihar,  and  each  urged  the  use  of  his  ac- 
quisition on  the  late  alarming  occasion,  he  spoke  to  them  as 
follows  : “ How  can  I justly  determine  between  you,  my  chil- 
dren, on  this  interesting  occasion?  Your  apple,  my  deal 
Ahmed,  restored  your  cousin  to  life  ; but  without  All’s  glass 
you  would  not  have  known  her  danger.  Nor  would  even  your 
knowledge  of  that  danger,  and  your  possessing  the  means  of 
relieving  her,  had  been  of  the  least  use,  had  not  Houssain’s 
tapestry  conveyed  you  hither  as  it  did.  Your  presents,  in 
my  opinion,  are  equally  valuable  ; and  you  share  among  you 
the  glory  of  having  preserved  the  princess. 

“ But  I will  no  longer  suffer  a contest  to  continue,  so  fatal 
to  the  peace  of  us  all.  I will  adopt  another  mode  of  deter- 
mining your  fortune  with  your  cousin.  The  long  bow  is  a 
manly  and  princely  exercise.  Provide  yourselves  with  bows 
and  arrows  by  to-morrow  morning,  and  I will  give  the  princess 
to  him  who  shoots  farthest.” 

The  next  morning  the  three  princes  attended  at  the  place 
appointed  ; and  the  sultan  having  appointed  judges.  Prince 
Houssain  shot  an  arrow,  which  flew  a great  distance.  Ali 
shot  next,  much  beyond  him.  Ahmed  then  shot,  and  though 
it  was  universally  believed  that  he  had  shot  farthest,  yet  as  his  ar- 
row could  not  be  found,  the  judges,  notwithstanding  his  earnest 
remonstrance,  determined  in  favor  of  Prince  Ali,  who  accord- 
ingly espoused  the  lovely  Nouronnihar  a few  days  afterwards. 

Houssain  would  not  honor  the  feast  with  his  presence.  He 
could  not  bear  to  see  the  woman  he  loved  in  the  arms  of  his 
rival,  though  that  rival  was  a beloved  brother.  In  the  trans- 
port of  his  grief  he  renounced  his  succession  to  the  crown, 
and  all  intercourse  with  the  world,  and  joined  a society  of 
dervises,  whose  rules  were  unusually  rigid  and  austere. 

Ahmed  also  refused  to  be  present  at  his  brother’s  nuptials, 
though  he  did  not  suffer  his  disappointment  to  carry  him  to 
such  excess  as  his  brother  Houssain  indulged.  As  he  could 
not  imagine  what  had  become  of  his  arrow,  he  went  in  search 
of  it,  to  the  place  where  Houssain  and  Ali’s  were  found.  He 
proceeded,  looking  carefully  on  each  side,  till  he  had  got  so 
far  that  he  gave  up  all  thought  of  finding  it.  He  pursued  his 
journey,  indulging  his  melancholy  reflections,  till  he  came  to 
some  rocks  which  were  four  leagues  distant  from  the  place 


320 


ARAF^^  ENTERTAmMENTS, 


where  he  set  owt,  &rtd  which  x<^\inded  his  walk  that  way,  as 
they  were  inaccessible. 

When  Ahmed  came  to  the^^e  t^>%ks,  he  perceived  an  arrow, 
which  he  picked  up,  and  was  astorii5y.hed  to  find  it  was  the  same 
he  had  shot  away.  It  appeared  to  Uwe  rebounded  from  the 
rock.  The  apparent  impossibility  of  a»;v  man  shooting  an  ar- 
row so  far,  made  the  prince  conclude  must  be  something 

supernatural  in  the  matter.  His  heart  b^gan  to  indulge  in 
happy  presages,  and  to  hope  that  his  disappointment  would  be 
made  up  to  him  by  means  of  some  event  wiiith  this  interposi- 
tion would  produce. 

While  he  meditated  on  these  matters,  he  enused  impercep- 
tibly some  of  the  irregular  breaks  of  the  rocks,  m v'tie  of  which 
he  perceived  an  iron  door.  He  pushed  against,  it,  and  it 
opened,  when  he  found  an  easy  descent,  which  he  wa/k^d  down, 
with  his  arrow  in  his  hand.  He  had  not  advanced  many  steps, 
before  he  entered  a spacious  and  beautiful  garden,  and  at  a 
little  distance  he  saw  a magnificent  palace.  As  he  drew  near 
to  it,  he  was  met  by  a very  beautiful  lady ; her  air  was  grace- 
ful and  majestic,  yet  sweetly  easy  and  encouraging ; her  dress, 
brilliant  beyond  imagination ; and  a large  troop  of  handsome 
and  well-dressed  attendants  bespoke  her  quality.  She  received 
the  prince  with  a bewitching  smile,  saying,  ‘‘  Prince  Ahmed, 
you  are  welcome.’^ 

Ahmed  paid  his  respects  to  her  in  the  best  manner  he  was 
able  ; for  such  a succession  of  wonders  had  thrown  him  into 
confusion.  He  thanked  her  for  bidding  him  welcome  to  that 
elegant  retreat,  where  he  had  reason  to  fear  he  was  an  intruder, 
and  rejoiced  that  he  had  the  honor  to  be  known  by  so  charming 
a lady.  They  drew  near  the  palace,  and  the  lady  invited  him  to 
go  in  and  hear  where  he  was,  and  how  she  came  to  know  him. 

When  they  entered  the  hall,  the  lady  said  to  him,  “ You  are 
surprised,  Ahmed,  that  I,  whom  you  have  never  seen  before, 
should  know  you.  To  remove  this  wonder,  learn  then  that  I 
am  a fairy,  daughter  to  one  of  the  most  powerful  genii,  who, 
your  religion  teaches  you,  inhabit  the  world,  as  well  as  men. 
My  name  is  Paribanon.  I am  acquainted  with  all  the  iffairs 
of  your  father’s  court.  I sold  you  the  artificial  apple.  Ali 
bought  his  perspective  glass,  and  Houssain  his  tapestry,  of  me. 

I am  not,  you  find,  unacquainted  with  your  concerns.  You 
seemed  to  me  worthy  of  a more  happy  fate  than  that  of  possess- 
ing the  princess  Nouronnihar,  whose  husband  will  never  mount 
a throne.  I was  present  when  you  drew  your  arrow,  and,  fore- 
seeing it  would  fall  short  of  Prince  Houssain’s,  I took  it  in  the 


AKABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


321 


air,  and  conveyed  it  to  the  rocks  where  you  found  it.  By  this 
means  1 have  led  you  hither.  And  it  will  be  much  your  own 
fault  if  this  visit  does  not  fix  your  happiness  on  the  most  per- 
manent basis.” 

The  fairy  pronounced  these  words  in  the  most  tender  man- 
ner, glancing  affectionately  at  the  prince,  yet  covered  with 
modest  confusion.  Ahmed  was  too  penetrating  to  be  at  a loss 
in  understanding  the  beautiful  fairy.  Paribanon  as  far  ex- 
celled the  princess  in  loveliness  of  person,  in  sprightly  wit,  and 
engaging  deportment,  as  she  did  in  power  and  splendor. 
Ahmed  rejoiced  at  his  late  disappointment ; and  resigning  his 
whole  heart  to  the  charming  Paribanon,  he  threw  himself  at 
her  feet,  and  professed  himself  happy  in  being  admit^d  her  slave. 

The  sensible  fairy  then  raised  him  up,  and  said,  “ My  dear 
Ahmed,  I did  not  bring  you  here  to  be  my  slave,  but  my 
husband.  You  will  not  wonder  I am  thus  frank  with  you,  when 
I tell  you  that  we  fairies  are  exempt  from  that  trifling  coquetry 
which  is  most  to  be  found  in  the  weakest  of  mortal  females.” 
The  prince  on  his  knees  seized  her  hand,  and  ravished  it  with 
kisses.  ‘‘I  pledge  my  faith  to  you,  madam,”  said  he,  in  the 
most  solemn  manner;  and  vow  to  devote  my  whole  heart  to 
you  without  the  least  reserve.”  I receive  your  faith,  my  dear 
prince,”  replied  the  fairy,  and  plight  you  mine  in  return  ; and 
now,  according  to  the  custom  of  fairies,  you  are  my  husband, 
and  I am  your  wife.  Our  marriages  are  contracted  without 
any  other  ceremonies.”  • 

From  this  time  Prince  Ahmed  lived  with  his  beloved  fairy, 
enjoying  every  happiness.  The  society  of  his  charming  Pari- 
banon, whose  virtues  and  elegant  manners  continually  increased 
his  attachment  to  her,  gave  him  the  most  rational  and  heartfelt 
delight. 

Several  months  passed  away  in  this  manner,  when  the  recol- 
lection of  his  father,  whom  Ahmed  always  loved  and  honored, 
and  the  consideration  of  the  pain  the  sultan  must  suffer  in  his 
absence,  broke  in  upon  the  prince’s  felicity.  He  mentioned 
these  reflections  to  the  fairy,  and  expressed  a great  desire  to 
pay  his  father  a visit ; but  Paribanon  upbraided  him,  that  his 
affection  for  her  was  growing  cool.  She  was  so  much  affected 
at  this  idea,  that  it  was  with  difficulty  the  prince  could  pacify 
her  by  the  most  earnest  assurance  of  unceasing  love,  and  re- 
nouncing all  thoughts  of  visiting  the  sultan. 

Notwithstanding  Paribanon’s  jealousy,  that  prince  deserved 
all  his  son’s  attention.  It  was  with  the  greatest  reluctance 
that  he  had  decided  the  contest  between  his  sons  ; dreading 


322 


ARABIAJV  N/GHTS'  EJVTERTAimfEArTS 


those  consequences  which  followed  that  event.  He  was  soon 
informed  of  the  resolution  of  Prince  Houssain,  and  the  retreat 
which  he  had  chosen.  And  though  he  regretted  this  determi- 
nation of  his  eldest  son,  yet  the  knowledge  of  his  situation 
afforded  him  some  comfort.  But  of  Prince  Ahmed  he  could 
obtain  no  information.  He  even  applied  to  a sorceress  ol 
great  abilities,  to  inquire  after  him.  Yet  with  the  utmost  exer- 
tions she  could  only  learn  that  he  was  yet  alive  ; but  not  the 
least  particular  of  his  present  situation.  This  uncertainty  was 
the  cause  of  great  sorrow  to  the  sultan. 

Although  Ahmed  gave  up  his  wish  to  visit  his  father,  in 
compliance  with  the  desire  of  the  fairy,  yet  he  could  not  refrain 
from  frequently  mentioning  him,  and  never  without  a sigh. 
This  conduct  excited  reflection  in  the  breast  of  Paribanon. 
She  considered  that  she  had  no  reason  to  doubt  the  affection 
of  her  husband,  who  appeared  every  day  more  fond  of  her ; but 
how  long  that  affection  would  last,  if  she  kept  him  under  per- 
petual restraint,  she  had  just  cause  to  fear.  She  was  naturally 
very  benevolent ; and  the  consideration  that  she  prevented  a 
worthy  son  from  wiping  away  the  tears  of  an  affectionate  father, 
shed  on  his  account,  was  more  than  she  could  bear.  “ I am 
sensible,  my  dear  Ahmed,”  said  she  one  day  to  the  prince,  “ of 
the  restraint  you  put  upon  yourself,  in  suppressing  your  wishes 
to  visit  your  royal  father.  When  1 first  refused  you,  I was 
induced  to  do  so  by  the  tender  fear  lest  the  naturally  volatile 
disposition  of  a young  man  might  lead  you  to  forsake  me. 
But  I should  not  deserve  your  tenderness,  if,  after  your  having 
thus  long  made  me  so  great  a sacrifice,  I could  doubt  your 
constancy  and  steady  affection.  Go,  then,  pay  your  duty  to 
the  sultan  ; and  let  him  know  you  will  attend  him  for  that  pur- 
pose every  month.  Do  not,  however,  let  me  long  regret  your 
absence  ; nor  on  any  account  acquaint  your  father  with  your 
marriage,  or  where  you  reside.  Beg  of  him  to  be  satisfied  in 
knowing  you  are  happy.” 

Ahmed  expressed  the  most  lively  gratitude  to  the  fairy,  and 
promised  to  observe  all  her  instructions.  The  next  morning 
he  set  forward  for  the  sultan’s  court,  attended  by  twenty  gentle- 
men, well  mounted.  They  soon  arrived  at  the  city,  where 
Ahmed  was  received  by  the  people  with  acclamations  of  joy. 
When  he  arrived  at  the  palace,  his  father  embraced  him  with 
great  affection,  kindly  chiding  him  for  his  absence,  and  inquir- 
ing what  had  befallen  him.  d'he  prince  told  him  that  he  had 
found  his  arrow  as  far  off  as  the  black  rocks,  and  that  the 
search  after  it  had  been  attended  with  an  adventure  that  had 


A/^AB/AAT  JVIGHTSr  ENTEI^'J  AJNMEN’TrS. 


323 


niav.j  him  contented  and  happy;  but  entreated  the  sultan  not 
to  insist  on  knowing  the  particulars.  The  tender  father  cheer- 
fully acquiesced;  and,  after  three  days,  Ahmed  took  his  leave, 
promising  to  renew  his  visit  at  the  end  of  the  month. 

Ahmed  -returned  to  the  fairy,  who  received  him  very  joy- 
fully. Every  month  he  renewed  his  visit  to  his  father’s  court, 
each  time  attended  more  splendidly  than  before.  For  a long 
time  the  sultan  had  great  pleasure  in  these  visits  ; but  some  of 
the  busy  parasites  who  infest  every  court,  began  to  instil 
jealousies  into  his  mind,  under  pretence  of  concern  for  his 
safet}^,  which  destroyed  all  his  happiness,  and  ended  most 
fatally.  They  observed  to  the  sultan,  that  on  every  visit  the 
prince  came  attended  by  a different  retinue  ; that  the  number 
of  his  retainers,  therefore,  must  be  very  considerable,  and  the 
magnificence  of  their  appearance  every  time  increasing,  showed 
their  master’s  wealth  was  inexhaustible.  K was  this  all. 
The  freshness  of  their  clothes,  and  the  spirit  of  their  horses, 
sufficiently  proved  that  they  came  not  far.  “ If,  therefore,” 
said  they,  “ the  prince  (who  everybody  knows  was  extremely 
mortified  at  losing  Nouronnihar)  should  choose  to  resent  that 
decision,  or  even  to  seize  the  crown,  he  seems  to  have  suffi- 
cient power  near  at  hand  to  execute  such  an  enterprise.  At 
least,  therefore,  it  v/ould  be  prudent  to  find  out  the  place  of 
his  retirement,  which  he  so  carefully  conceals.” 

The  sultan  of  the  Indies  for  some  time  seemed  to  pay  no 
attention  to  these  remonstrances,  but  they  made  the  deepest 
impression  on  his  mind.  The  shouts  of  applause  which  the 
people  gave  to  the  prince,  whenever  he  was  seen  in  the  city, 
became  now  a torment  to  the  sultan.  He  became  jealous 
of  his  worthy  son ; and  though  he  concealed  from  every  one, 
as  much  as  possible,  his  ill-founded  disgust,  yet  he  resolved  to 
discover  his  retreat.  For  this  purpose  he  applied  to  the  sorceress 
he  had  formerly  consulted,  and  engaged  her  to  watch  his  son,  and 
bring  him  word  where  he  retired. 

The  sorceress  hid  herself  among  the  black  rocks  till  she  saw 
the  prince  and  his  attendants  pass  by  her.  She  continued 
looking  after  them,  when  all  of  a sudden  they  disappeared. 
She  followed  them  to  the  brinks  of  the  rocks,  and  examined 
them  with  the  greatest  attention  on  each  side,  till  she  came  to 
the  farther  end,  without  being  able  to  discover  the  iron  door 
through  which  the  prince  and  his  retinue  had  passed  ; for  that 
was  seen  only  by  those  whom  the  fairy  Paribanon  wished  to 
receive. 

The  magician  returned  disappointed  ; but  when  the  prince’s 


324 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


next  monthly  visit  drew  near,  she  returned  to  the  rocks,  and  as 
soon  as  his  train  approached  her,  she  contrived  to  lie  on  the 
si  le  of  the  road  and  appear  as  if  expiring.  Ahmed  was  so 
moved  at  her  supposed  distress  that  he  ordered  her  to  be  taken 
up,  and  returned  with  all  his  attendants  through  the  iron  gate, 
and  besought  the  fairy  to  assist  her. 

Paribanon  ordered  the  sorceress  to  be  led  away,  and  supplied 
ivith  whatever  she  stood  in  need  of.  Then  turning  to  the 
prince,  she  said,  “ I admire,  my  dear  Ahmed,  the  goodness  of 
your  heart ; but  in  this  instance  I fear  it  will  operate  to  your 
prejudice.  This  woman  is  an  impostor.  She  is  not  sick  ; and 
whatever  her  views  are  in  persuading  you  to  think  so,  they 
certainly  cannot  be  friendly  ones.’’  I never,”  replied  the 
prince,  ‘‘  did,  or  intended  any  injury  to  any  one  ; nor  can  I 
suppose  any  one  would  injure  me.  But  if  I am  mistaken,  and 
have  an  enemy,  I will  not  therefore  withhold  from  doing  good 
whenever  I have  an  opportunity.”  He  then  again  took  leave 
of  the  fairy,  and  set  forward  for  the  city. 

The  sorceress  having  discovered  the  prince’s  retreat,  pre- 
tended to  be  much  recovered  by  the  medicines  which  had  been 
given  her ; she  begged  leave  to  return  thanks  to  Paribanon, 
and  to  pursue  her  journey. 

The  fairy  received  her,  sitting  on  her  throne  of  massy  gold 
and  surrounded  with  the  utmost  splendor.  After  she  had  pakl 
her  compliments,  the  fairy  ordered  two  of  her  attendants  to 
show  her  ihe  palace,  and  then  to  permit  her  to  depart.  They 
led  her  accordingly  through  all  the  apartments,  and  displayed 
before  her  such  a profusion  of  riches  as  she  had  no  idea  of. 
For  Paribanon,  having  no  doubt  but  she  came  as  a spy  from 
some  enemy  of  her  husband,  was  determined  she  should  go  away 
with  sudi  an  idea  of  his  situation  as  should  excite  respect  if  not 
awe.  The  sorceress  was  then  conducted  to  the  iron  gate  and 
dismissed  ; but  what  much  troubled  her  was,  that  though  she 
turned  round  immediately  to  mark  the  gate,  it  had  become 
invisible  ; and  on  turning  a second  time,  she  found  herself  at 
the  entrance  of  the  rocks,  far  beyond  the  place  where  the 
prince  took  pity  on  her. 

From  the  time  the  sultan  had  suffered  himself  to  be  irritated 
against  his  son,  he  had  neglected  to  consult  with  his  old  and 
faithful  vizier ; he  had  given  himself  up  to  a cabal  of  interested 
advisers,  who  sought  only  to  promote  their  own  profit  by  a 
pretended  zeal  for  their  master’s  safety.  To  them  he  privately 
introduced  the  sorceress,  and  heard  hei  report  in  their  pres- 
ence. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


325 


If  the  weak  sultan  feared  his  son  before,  this  account  of  his 
unbounded  wealth  made  him  envy  and  hate  him.  His  advisers 
were  at  no  loss  to  discover  this,  and  every  one,  to  gain  his 
master’s  favor,  seemed  to  outvie  the  other  in  proposing  violent 
measures.  Some  counselled,  as  the  prince  was  now  on  the 
spot,  to  cut  him  off  without  delay.  The  most  lenient  wished 
him  and  his  attendants  imprisoned  for  life.  Amidst  these  des- 
perate proposals  the  sorceress  begged  leave  to  offer  a different 
expedient. 

An  attempt  to  destroy  Prince  Ahmed  by  violence,  protected 
as  he  is  by  a retinue  of  fairies  and  genii,  would  not  only  be  in 
vain,  but  would  certainly  excite  the  vengeance  of  Paribanon. 
I would  recommend  a very  different  conduct  towards  him  : let 
the  prince  know  your  are  acquainted  with  his  having  married  a 
fairy,  and  ^ngage  him  to  task  her  power  in  procuring  certain 
advantages  Tor  you.  If  he  succeeds  with  the  first,  you  have  to 
go  on  demanding  something  still  more  difficult,  till  you  tire  out 
his  patience,  and  he  will  then  cease  these  dangerous  visits,  which 
give  him  so  much  influence  over  the  people.” 

Every  one  approved  of  this  advice,  and,  agreeably  to  it,  the 
sultan,  next  day,  with  an  air  of  good-humor,  congratulated  his 
son  on  his  marriage  with  a fairy.  I rejoice,”  said  he,  ‘‘  at 
this  fortunate  connection,  and  must  beg  you  will  not  deny  me 
your  influence  with  your  wife,  i.^  a matter  I have  so  much  at 
heart.  I want  a pavilion  that  may  be  carried  in  a man’s  hand, 
and  yet  be  large  enough  to  cover  a numerous  army.  You  will 
oblige  me  greatly  if  you  will  persuade  your  wife  to  furnish  me 
such  a one.” 

Prince  Ahmed  heard  with  surprise  and  pleasure  that  his 
father  knew  of  his  nuptials,  and  approved  them  : but  when  he 
came  to  urge  so  extraordinary  a demand,  the  poor  prince  was 
overwhelmed  with  confusion.  He  was  very  desirous  of  being 
excused  ; but  finding  the  sultan  pressed  the  thing  upon  him  : 
“ Your  commands,  sir,”  said  he,  “ are  a law  to  me.  I will  ask 
this  extraordinary  thing  of  my  wife,  though  it  will  be  with  great 
reluctance.  If  I succeed,  I will  return  immediately  ; if  I fail, 
you  will  know  I have  done  so,  by  my  paying  my  respects  to  you 
no  more.” 

Ahmed  took  leave  of  the  sultan  with  much  discomposure. 
On  his  return  home,  Paribanon  presently  saw  something  had 
happened  to  displease  him.  In  answer  to  her  inquiries,  he 
told  her  the  demand  his  father  had  made,  and  his  uneasiness  in 
consequence  of  it.  I have  ever,”  continued  he, ‘‘  been  happy 
in  loving  you,  and  being  loved  by  you  ; and  have  carefully 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


326 

avoided  tasking  your  power  ; nor  should  anything  have  induced 
me  to  do  it,  but  the  command  of  a father.  What  vexes  me 
most  is  the  request  he  has  made,  at  once  exorbitant  in  the  idea 
and  impossible  to  be  complied  with.”  Paribanon  heard  him 
with  a smile,  and  after  praising  the  delicacy  of  his  love,  she 
dispatched  a slave  to  her  treasurer,  with  orders  to  send  one  of 
her  smallest  pavilions.  The  slave  presently  returned  with  it  in 
her  hand,  and  presented  it  to  her  mistress,  who  gave  it  to  her 
husband. 

Ahmed  received  it  with  a look  of  incredulity  ; but  the  fairy 
soon  convinced  him  of  his  mistake,  by  ordering  it  to  be  fixed 
up.  Next  morning  he  returned  to  court,  and  presented  it  to 
his  father.  The  sultan,  little  imagining  there  could  be  such  a 
thing  as  the  tent  he  had  asked  for,  was  surprised  to  see  him. 
He  received  it  from  Ahmed,  and  ordered  it  to  be  sei  up  in  the 
plain,  when  he  found  it  large  enough  to  shelter  an  army  twice 
as  numerous  as  he  could  bring  into  the  field.  The  prince 
increased  his  wonder  by  telling  him,  that  he  could  make  it 
larger  or  smaller,  by  a wish,  according  to  the  army  it  was  to 
cover. 

Mirza  received  his  son’s  curious  present  with  cold  civility, 
and  in  his  heart  conceived  a still  greater  hatred  and  jealousy  of 
him.  He  again  consulted  the  sorceress,  and,  by  her  advice,  he 
addressed  him  in  the  evening,  before  the  whole  court,  and 
besought  him  to  obtain  for  him  some  of  the  water  of  the  fountain 
of  Lions.  “ The  dangers  he  must  face  to  obtain  this  water,” 
said  the  sorceress,  “ are  so  many,  that  it  is  hardly  possible  he 
should  escape  them.  And  if  he  falls,  your  majesty  will  be 
happily  rid  of  him.” 

When  Ahmed,  on  his  return  home,  related  this  new  demand 
of  his  father  to  Paribanon,  she  addressed  him  thus  : “ I am  now 
convinced,  my  dear  Ahmed,  that  the  affections  of  the  sultan 
are  alienated  from  you,  and  that  he  meditates  your  destruction. 
This  water  can  only  be  obtained  at  your  own  risk,  not  by  my 
power.  From  most  of  the  dangers  attending  the  attempt  I can 
protect  you ; but  I cannot  preserve  the  sultan  from  the  punisl> 
ment  which  awaits  him,  if  he  persists  in  his  unnatural  conduct. 

The  fountain  of  Lions  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  a court, 
the  entrance  of  which  is  guarded  by  four  lions.  You  must 
have  two  horses,  one  of  which  you  must  ride ; and  on  the 
other,  which  you  must  lead,  put  a sheep  killed  to-day,  and 
divided  into  four  quarters.  Take  also  a bottle  to  fill  with 
the  water.  Set  off  early  to-morrow  morning,  and,  when  you 
have  passed  the  ir^n  giate,  throw  this  clew  of  thread  on  the 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


327 


ground.  Follow  it  exactly,  and  you  will  escape  all  other 
difficulties,  till  you  come  to  a pair  of  large  folding-doors, 
which  will  open  at  your  approach.  You  will  then  see  the  lions  ; 
throw  to  each  a quarter  of  the  sheep  as  you  ride  towards  them  ; 
fill  your  bottle  with  all  possible  expedition  while  they  are 
eating  : when  you  have  accomplished  this,  you  may  return 
without  apprehension,  as  the  lions  will  not  then  attempt  to  hurt 
you.’^ 

The  prince  obeyed  the  fairy’s  directions,  and  succeeded. 
On  his  return,  he  found  that  two  of  the  lions  followed  him. 
He  turned  about  and  drew  his  sabre  to  defend  himself ; but 
he  soon  found  that  unnecessary  ; the  lions  approached  with 
the  utmost  gentleness,  one  passing  by  him  went  before,  while 
the  other  followed  ; and  thus  guarded  him  till  he  came  to  his 
father’s  capital,  where  they  disappeared. 

He  presented  the  sultan  with  the  bottle  of  water  which  he 
had  procured  with  so  much  danger.  That  prince  appeared  to 
be  in  raptures  at  his  son’s  obedience  and  success.  But  the 
hatred  he  had  so  causelessly  entertained  against  his  dutiful  son, 
now  became  inveterate.  In  the  evening  he  sent  for  the  sorceress, 
and  in  a rage  charged  her,  as  she  valued  her  life,  to  invent  a task 
for  Ahmed,  which  was  not  to  be  thus  easily  accomplished.  She 
was  terrified  at  the  threats  of  the  sultan,,  “ Sir,”  said  she,  “ I 
can  point  out  a task  for  the  prince,  which  will  be  attended  with 
the  utmost  danger  ; but  if  he  succeeds,  I tremble  for  the  con- 
sequences to  you  and  to  myself.”  “No  matter,”  replied  the 
sultan,  hastily,  “ no  matter  for  the  consequences  to  me  • and, 
as  to  you,  I will  put  you  to  death  this  instant  if  you  do  not 
point  out  this  adventure,  which  may  relieve  me  from  a hated 
rival,  by  whom  I am  every  day  more  and  more  eclipsed.” 

The  sorceress  obeyed,  and  the  sultan,  fully  instructed,  re- 
ceived his  son  the  next  morning  with  a smile,  and  said  to  him,  “ I 
have  one  more  favor  to  request  of  you,  and  I desire  you  will  use 
your  influence  with  the  fairy,  your  wife,  to  gratify  me ; after 
which  I will  no  more  exact  anything  from  your  obedience,  or 
her  power.  Bring  me  a man,  not  above  a foot  and  a half  high, 
whose  beard  is  thirty  feet  long,  and  who  carries  an  iron  bar  of 
five  hundred-weight,  which  he  uses  as  a quarter-staff.”  Prince 
Ahmed  bowed  and  withdrew  in  silence. 

On  his  return  home,  he  told  Paribanon,  with  great  sor- 
row, what  has  passed.  “ I am  now,”  said  he,  “ too  well  as- 
sured that  my  father  is  become  my  enemy,  and  seeks  these 
extraordinary  demands  to  effect  my  destruction  ; but,  as  he 
declares  this  shall  be  his  last  request,  let  me,  my  dear  fairy,  if 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTER TAINMENTS. 


328 

this  task  be  not  too  difficult,  entreat  your  assistance/’  Noth- 
ing,” replied  Paribanon,  can  be  more  easy  than  for  you  to 
fulfil  this  comm  nd.  This  man  is  my  brother,  Schaibar.  His 
disposition  is  very  different  from  mine.  His  nature  is  crabbed 
and  violent,  and  his  resentment  always  fatal,  yet,  if  not  pro- 
voked, he  is  kind  and  obliging.  I will  send  for  him  immedi- 
ately ; but  be  sure  to  prepare  yourself  for  his  appearance,  and 
take  special  care  not  to  show  fear  at  his  singular  and  very  for- 
bidding figure.” 

‘‘  Ah  ! my  lovely  fairy,”  replied  Ahmed,  ‘‘  if  Schaibar  is 
your  brother,  let  his  person  be  ever  so  disagreeable,  I can 
never  see  him  but  with  sentiments  of  respect  and  affection.” 

Paribanon  ordered  a gold  chafing-dish  to  be  set,  with  a fire 
in  it,  under  the  porch  of  the  palace  ; apid  throwing  in  some 
perfume,  there  arose  a thick  cloud  of  smoke,  spon  after  which 
the  fairy  said  to  Ahmed,  ‘‘  See ! my  brother  comes.”  The 
prince  immediately  saw  Schaibar  approaching,  his  heavy  bar 
on  his  shoulder,  his  beard  wound  around  him,  a pair  of  thick  mus- 
taches, which  he  tucked  behind  his  ears,  that  almost  covered 
his  face  ; his  little  eyes  set  deep  in  his  head,  which  was  very 
large,  and  on  which  he  wore  a grenadier’s  cap.  He  was  hump- 
backed, and  his  whole  appearance  the  most  ferocious  that 
could  be  imagined. 

Such  a tremendous  figure  on  any  other  occasion  would  have 
»aterrified  Ahmed  exceedingly ; but  being  prepared  for  his  coming, 
and  knowing  who  he  was,  the  prince  stood  by  Paribanon  with 
the  utmost  composure.  Schaibar,  as  he  came  forward,  looked 
at  Ahmed  in  such  a manner  as  was  enough  to  freeze  his  blood  : 
and  asked  Paribanon,  when  he  first  accosted  her,  who  that 
man  was.”  To  which  she  repliejd,  “ He  is  my  husband,  brother  ; 
the  reason  I did  not  invite  you  to  see  him  sooner  is,  that  I was 
unwilling  to  interrupt  you  in  an  expedition  you  were  engaged 
in,  and  from  which  I hear  with  pleasure  that  you  have  lately 
returned  successful.”  Schaibar  then  looked  favorably  on 
Ahmed,  and  offered  to  do  him  any  service  in  his  power.  The 
prince  thanked  him ; and  the  fairy  added,  “ The  sultan,  his 
father,  has  a desire  to  see  you  ; I request  you  will  let  him  be 
your  guide  to  the  court  to-morrow.” 

The  next  morning,  after  having  been  fully  informed  of  all 
that  had  passed,  Schaibar  set  forward  with  Ahmed  for  the 
sultan’s  palace.  As  they  approached  the  city,  the  people  fled 
before  them  in  dismay ; and  communicating  their  fears  to  all 
they  met,  the  streets  were  abandoned. 

Even  the  guards  of  the  royal  palace  ran  away.  There  was 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


329 


no  one  to  conduct  them  to  the  sultan,  so  that  the  prince  and 
Schaibar  advanced  unexpected  into  the  council-chamber,  where 
the  sultan  was  giving  audience.  Every  one  drew  back  in  ter- 
ror. ^Schaibar  advanced  to  the  throne  without  waiting  to  be 
introduced  by  the  prince.  “ Thou  hast  asked  for  me,’'  said  he 
to  the  sultan,  fiercely  ; ‘‘  here  I am  ! what  wouldst  thou  have 
with  me  ? " The  terrified  sultan,  instead  of  answering  him, 
clapped  his  hands  before  his  eyes,  to  shut  out  the  sight  of  so 
fearful  an  object.  Schaibar,  enraged  at  this  insult,  insrantly 
lifted  up  his  iron  beam  and  killed  him,  before  Ahmed  could  in- 
terpose in  his  behalf.  He  continued  dealing  about  his  fatal 
blows  till  he  had  destroyed  every  one  of  the  prince's  enemies. 
He  then  commanded  the  grand  vizier  to  introduce  the  sorcer- 
ess, who  had  been  so  active  in  promoting  the  prince's  destruc- 
tion. She  was  brought  before  him  in  the  utmost  terror.  As 
soon  as  she  was  within  his  reach,  he  gave  her  a stroke  with  his 
iron  bar,  saying  ‘‘Take  the  reward  of  thy  pernicious  counsels, 
and  learn  to  feign  sickness  again." 

Schaibar  then  ordered  the  grand  vizier,  and  the  remaining 
officers  of  the  court,  to  proclaim  Prince  Ahmed  sultan  of  the 
Indies,  and  sending  for  his  sister  Paribanon,  he  caused  her 
and  her  husband  to  be  clothed  with  the  royal  vestments,  and 
seated  on  the  throne.  Houssain  had  retired  from  the  world  ; 
and  Ali,  happy  in  the  possession  of  his  beloved  Nouronnihar, 
had  no  desire  to  oppose  his  brother  Ahmed  and  his  terrible 
ally.  He  contented  himself  with  an  opulent  provddence,  which 
his  brother  bestowed  upon  him ; and  Ahmed,  with  his  charm- 
ing fairy,  swayed  the  sceptre  of  the  Indies  without  opposition. 


STORY  OF  HABIB  AND  DORATIL-GOASE,  OR  THE 
ARABIAN  KNIGHT 

The  tribe  of  Ben-Hilae,  the  most  numerous  and  valiant  in 
all  Arabia,  was  formerly  governed  by  Emh  Ben-Hilac-Salamis, 
the  most  famous  man  of  that  age  for  courage,  military  talents, 
piety,  probity,  and,  in  a word,  for  all  those  great  qualities 
which  accomplish  the  character  of  the  statesman  and  the  war- 
rior. He  was  the  acknowledged  chief  of  sixty-six  tribes,  over 
whom  he  reigned  with  wisdom,  and  among  whom  his  adminis- 
tration was  deservedly  popular.  He  had  been  prosperous  in 
war,  and  not  less  so  in  peace.  He  had  passed  the  prime  of 
life,  and  had  no  favor  to  ask  of  Heaven  in  order  to  complete 
his  felicity,  unless  a son  who  might  inherit  his  glory  and  his 
power. 


330 


AJ^ABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


In  the  festival  of  Haraphat,  Salamis  continually  heaped 
the  altar  with  victims,  prostrated  hnnself  upon  the  threshold 
of  the  tabernacle,  addressed  his  prayers  to  the  holy  prophet, 
and  still  waited  with  respectful  resignation  for  the  time  when 
the  will  of  Heaven  should  favor  him  v Ith  a lessmg  so  essen- 
tial to  his  happiness.  Having  one  day  off: red  more  than 
ordinary  profusion  of  sacrifices,  he  felt  h mind  suddenly  im- 
pressed with  a pleasing  hope  that  his  wishes  would  be  fulfilled. 
His  hopes  were  not  in  vain.  Amiraia,  his  wife,  soon  after 
found  herself  pregnant,  and  within  nine  months  that  princess 
was  delivered  of  a male  child,  whose  beauty  equalled  that  of 
the  brightest  luminary  which  in  tlie  evenings  of  summer  sup- 
plies the  absence  of  the  sun.  Amiraia  took  the  child  in  her 
arms,  and  caressed  him  with  mingled  emotions  ot  tender  love 
and  rapturous  joy. 

‘‘  Lovely  child,”  said  she  ; “ charming  emblem  of  the  fair 
tree  whose  fruit  thou  art,  may  my  kisses  be  salutary  to  thee 
as  the  rays  of  the  sun  are  to  the  budding  plant.  Come  to  my 
breast,  receive  the  nourishment  which  the  tenderness  of  a 
mother  gladly  offers. 

And  thou,  great  prophet ! thou,  into  whose  hands  the 
Most  High  has  committed  the  key  of  the  treasure  of  celestial 
grace,  thou,  to  whom  we  owe  this  dearest  pledge  of  love  ! pour 
upon  him  the  benignant  influence  of  thy  sacred  spirit ! At  thy 
powerful  voice  may  the  bravest,  the  brightest,  and  yet  the 
mildest  star  of  heaven  assume  the  care  of  his  destiny  ! 

Ye  happy  tribes  who  inhabit  the  smiling  plains  of  Arabia, 
it  is  to  you  that  Habib  is  given  ! Come,  view  the  head  of  my 
young  cedar ! you  will  distinguisli  it  rising  above  all  the  rest. 
Rejoice!  rejoice!  ye  happy  tribes!  One  day  shall  it  cover 
you  with  its  shade  I ” 

While  Amiraia  thus  celebrated  the  bounty  of  the  Almighty, 
the  emir  assembled  all  the  wise  men  of  the  nation,  and  made 
them  inquire  of  the  stars  concerning  the  destiny  of  his  son.  In 
the  hour  of  his  birth  the  eyes  of  all  the  astrologers  were  raised 
to  the  azure  vault  of  heaven.  They  beheld  a combat  in  the 
fields  above.  One  constellation  appeared  to  oppose  another  ] 
one  very  bright  star  was  alternately  darkened,  hid,  and  ex- 
tinguished like  those  meteors  which  are  sometimes  seen  gliding 
through  the  air;  yet  it  still  maintamed  its  place,  and  within  a 
few  moments  broke  out  with  nev^  ^ustre,  and  appeared  in  the 
most  auspicious  conjunction. 

The  eldest  of  the  astrologers  then  spoke.  “ Prince,”  said 

to  Salamis,  ‘‘your  son  will  be  glorious,  and  admired  in 


ARABIAN  mO/ITS^  ENI^ERTAINMENTS. 


331 


life  ; but  never  mortal  passed  through  such  dangers  as  he 
must  meet.  Perils  and  misfortunes  await  him,  but  wonderful 
will  be  his  resources  amidst  every  combination  of  difficulties. 
Love  and  glory  are  at  last  to  crown  his  toils,  if  his  courage  and 
vigor  shall  surmount  every  trial. 

‘‘What  a wayward  destiny!^’  returned  the  emir.  “Can 
no  means  be  employed  to  disappoint  its  severity  ? ’’  Prince, 
we  assure  you,  thvj  great  planet,  and  the  seven  around  it,  did 
not  appear  in  harmonious  concord.  They  seemed  to  exert  all 
their  powers  in  order  to  bring  assistance  to  the  star  of  your 
son,  or  to  counteract  its  noxious  influence.  Dreadful  was  the 
contest,  and  as  Habib’s  star  has  again  appeared,  you  may  en- 
tertain some  degree  of  hope.  The  dangers  which  he  is  to  en- 
counter have  been  clearly  displayed  to  us,  but  as  man  may  so 
far  elude  the  strokes  of  fate,  the  virtues  of  Habib  must 
avert  the  unpropitious  influence  with  which  he  is  threatened, 
and  compel  his  star  to  be  more  favorable  to  him.” 

Salamis  was  a man  of  the  greatest  fortitude,  and  at  the 
same  time  of  the  greatest  resignation. 

The  misfortunes  which  await  my  son  will  surely  not  exceed 
what  the  strength  of  humanity  is  able  to  bear.  Let  me  form 
him  to  manly  energy  of  character,  and  sow  the  seeds  of  every 
virtue  in  his  heart.  Amirala  will  second  my  intentions,  and 
by  our  joint  lessons  and  example  we  shall  prepare  him  to 
trample  upon  every  danger  that  may  rise  up  before  him.” 

Hardly  was  Habib  circumcised,  and  taught  to  articulate  a 
few  words,  when  his  tender  organs,  instead  of  uttering  a sense- 
less prattle,  pronounced  his  confession  of  faith.  He  already 
blessed  the  Creator  of  the  world,  Mohammed  his  a:  tie, 
heaven,  earth,  the  animated  beings  inhabiting  these  worlds, 
and  the  wide  immensities  of  space  by  which  they  are  separated. 
He  made  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  his  playthings,  and  learned 
to  arrange  them  into  words,  and  these  words  soon  after  into 
sentences.  His  mimic  houses  were  imitations  of  mosques  ; 
his  sports,  his  fancies,  and  his  early  propensities,  all  showed  a 
mind  above  the  ordinary  rank. 

Soon  as  his  body  acquired  strength,  he  observed  no  set 
hours  for  his  meals.  It  was  necessary  that  he  should  be  ac- 
quainted with  want,  that  tyrant  of  humanity  ; ^nd  to  teach 
him  to  bear  it  without  murmuring,  he  was  from  time  to  time 
partially  exposed  to  it.  It  was  necessary  that  he  should  ac- 
custom himself  to  difficulties  ; the  mattress  upon  which  he  used 
to  sleep  was,  therefore,  taken  away,  and  he  was  left  to  lie  upon 
the  bare  ground.  He  was  exposed  occasionally  to  the  inclem- 


332 


ARABIAiV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


ency  of  the  seasons,  that  his  body  might  not  afterwards  be 
too  much  affected  by  their  severit}^ 

He  was  taught  to  mount  the  most  fiery  and  the  most  un- 
manageable young  horses.  His  address  having  been  pre- 
viously exercised  in  adventures  of  less  danger,  he  soon  sur- 
mounted the  difficulties  which  at  first  attended  this.  If  he 
happened  by  any  accident  to  lose  his  seat,  his  agility  soon 
enabled  him  to  recover  it.  Thus  did  Amirala  form  the  body 
of  her  pupil.  At  seven  years  of  age,  he  excelled  all  his  little 
companions  in  vigor  and  activity.  His  heart  and  understand- 
ing were  not  neglected  ; he  could  recite  all  the  chapters  of  the 
Koran,  and  explain  their  meaning.  He  was  taught  by  his 
mother  to  view  the  wonders  of  nature  with  enthusiastic  admira- 
tion, and  could  already  describe  its  beauties.  It  became  time 
for  Salamis  to  think  of  perfecting  an  education  which  had  been 
so  happily  begun.  But,  in  order  to  do  this,  it  was  necessary 
that  he  should  find  an  instructor  as  well  qualified  to  form  his 
youth  as  Amirala  had  shown  herself  to  tutor  his  infancy.  There 
was  in  the  camp  of  Salamis  an  old  philosopher,  named  Ilfakis, 
skilled  in  all  the  sciences,  and  blameless  in  his  conduct.  But 
he  was  at  that  time  afflicted  by  a distemper,  which  was  con- 
ducting him  slowly  to  the  tomb.  Ah  ! would  God  restore 
me  the  sage  Ilfakis,’’  said  the  emir  one  day,  in  the  presence  of 
his  minister.  ‘‘  How  would  you  employ  him  ? ” replied  the 
other.  “ I have  just  come  from  his  tent.  He  told  me  that  he 
had  just  taken  an  elixir,  which  had  made  him  wonderfully 
better.  He  was  standing  ; he  even  walked  a few  steps  very 
firmly  before  me,  and  I make  no  doubt  that  if  you  wish  to  see 
him,  he  may  be  able  to  wait  upon  you  here.’’  “Go  ask  him,” 
said  the  emir.  “ I look  upon  his  recovery  to  life  as  a miracle 
wrought  by  Heaven  for  my  sake,  even  more  than  for  his.” 

Ilfakis  obeyed  the  emir’s  orders,  and  agreed  to  his  proposal. 
Young  Habib  was  committed  to  his  new  master.  They  lived 
together  in  the  same  tent.  The  cares  of  the  governor  found  a 
soil  so  naturally  happy,  and  so  well  prepared  in  his  young 
pupil's  mind,  that  it  was  fit  to  receive  every  degree  of  cultiva- 
tion. Habib  was  soon  able  to  tell  the  names  of  all  the  stars, 
to  describe  the  paths  of  the  planets,  and  to  calculate  their 
sizes  and  distances.  He  knew  the  various  species  of  trees  and 
plants,  and  could  describe  their  properties.  He  could  dis- 
course of  vegetation,  and  knew  in  what  manner  heat  and  moist- 
ure produced  fertility.  He  knew  the  sea  to  be  formed  by  the 
influx  of  the  rivers  ; he  could  trace  the  vapors  raised  from  it 
by  the  hea't  of  the  sun  to  the  tops  of  the  mountains,  and  there 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


333 


behold  them  falling  into  plenteous  springs,  to  perpetuate  the 
wonderful  operations  of  nature.  He  knew  how  to  rank  every 
animal  in  its  proper  class ; while  the  wonders  of  instinct  ex- 
cited his  surprise,  he  was  pleased  to  see  these  still  in  subor- 
dination to  the  energies  of  reason.  * 

While,  with  the  assistance  of  Ilfakis,  he  strove  to  arrange 
in  order  all  this  vast  variety  of  ideas,  he  was  at  the  same  time 
attentive  to  fix  them  in  his  mind,  and  learned  the  art  of  writ- 
ing, with  pens  cut  in  seven  different  ways,  f Salamis,  one 
day,  desired  his  son  to  communicate  to  him  some  part  of  the 
learning  he  had  acquired.  ‘‘  Father,’’  said  the  youth,  “ you 
must  apply  to  my  master  to  give  you  the  information  you  de- 
sire. As  for  me,  I must  long  be  all  eye  and  all  ear.  I must 
learn  to  use  my  hand  before  I begin  to  exercise  my  tongue, 
and  to  write  my  letters  as  pure  as  pearls  from  the  water.” 
Salamis,  delighted  with  this  reply,  asked  his  sage  governor 
whether  there  was  anything  else  that  he  could  teach  his  son. 
‘‘  The  young  prince,”  replied  Ilfakis,  ‘‘  never  puts  a question  to 
me  but  he  is  well  able  to  anticipate  the  reply.  I have  opened  to 
his  eyes  the  great  book  of  nature;  its  wonders  are. at  each 
glance  more  and  more  clearly  unfolded  to  his  view.  Far- 
ther instruction  would  only  retard  his  progress,  and  detain 
him  needlessly  from  the  scenes  of  active  life.  It  is  time, 
prince,  for  my  pupil  to  begin  his  application  to  those  arts 
which  are  necessary  accomplishments  to  the  man  who  is 
one  day  to  rule  over  sixty-six  warlike  tribes.  In  those  my 
assistance  could  be  of  no  service  to  him.  My  body  must 
soon  return  to  the  dust,  and  rest  with  its  parent  earth.” 
“ Why  so  gloomy  a presage  ? ” replied  the  emir ; “ you  may 
promise  yourself  many  a good  year  yet,  and  you  shall  be  lib- 
erally supplied  with  every  comfort  which  the  infirmities  of  age 
require.  My  treasure  shall  be  entirely  at  your  command.” 
‘‘  Prince,”  replied  the  sage,  ‘‘all  the  riches  in  this  world  are  not 
of  more  value  than  a grain  of  sand,  in  my  eyes.  All  my  desires 
have  long  since  failed.  This  frail  body,  which  I have  no  further 
wish  to  preserve,  owes  its  prolonged  existence  solely  to  the 
secret  views  of  Providence,  in  favor  of  Salamis.  This  day  is 
marked  out  by  destiny  as  the  last  in  which  it  shall  be  animated. 
In  fulfilling  my  duty,  I have  enjoyed  all  the  recompense  I wish 

* The  Arabians  were  the  first  who  taught  us  to  study  the  wondrous  operations  of  na 
ture  ; they  translated  the  Greek  philosophers.  There  is,  therefore,  nothing  improbable  in 
what  is  here  related  of  the  education  of  young  Habib. 

t The  pens  used  by  the  Arabians  are  reeds.  Whatever  be  the  value  they  may  put 
upon  the  cutting  of  pens  in  all  these  different  ways,  it  is  certain  that  they  reckon  it  a high 
merit  to  be  able  to  illuminate  their  writings  skilfully. 


334 


ARABIAN-  NIGFJTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


to  receive  here  below.”  “ Farewell,  then,  virtuous  Ilfakis,” 
said  the  emir.  “Receive  my  son^s  embraces  and  mine.  Youi 
loss  must  cost  us  many  tears,  but  we  will  soothe  your  distress 
by  going  often  to  visit  your  tent.”  “ You  shall  return  there  no 
more,”  replied  he  ; “ my  tent  is  like  a vapor  dispersed  by  the 
wind,  and  I myself,  like  the  dust,  driven  before  it  in  its  fury. 
Farewell,  Salamis ; farewell,  my  dear  Habib.  Think  some- 
times of  me,  amidst  the  difficulties  with  which  you  are  soon  to 
struggle.”  Young  Habib  was  iraich  affected  at  this  scene ; 
but  his  sensibility  was  put  next  day  to  a harder  trial.  His 
worthy  governor  died  soon  after  returning  to  his  own  tent. 
The  body  was  immediately  interred,  to  free  the  camp  from  the 
infection  which  it  produced,  the  moment  after  it  was  deserted 
by  the  spirit  which  had  animated  it.  Habib  retired,  and  wept 
beside  his  mother.  Amirala  was  pleased  with  his  sensibility, 
while  she  strove  to  console  him.  She  represented  the  things 
of  this  earth  as  inadequate  to  our  felicity,  and  directed  him  to 
extend  his  views  beyond  it.  These  consoling  considerations 
calmed  young  Habib’s  sorrow,  but  he  wished  to  pay  the  last 
duties  to  his  benefactor,  to  strew  some  flowers  on  his  tomb, 
and  to  offer  up  his  prayers  to  the  Most  High  on  that  hallowed 
spot.  He  went  to  Ilfakis’s  tent  with  three  emblematic  flowers 
in  his  hand.  His  soul  was  dissolved  in  tender  melancholy. 
Tears  flowed  silently  down  his  cheeks.  He  stood  still  for  a 
moment  to  indulge  his  grief,  which  was  thus  mingled  with  sweet 
affection,  and  then  expressed  his  feelings  in  these  words  : 

“ I tread  on  the  spot  where  my  dear  Ilfakis  is  laid.  Angels 
of  death,  when  you  approached  to  receive  his  soul,  were  not 
your  hearts  moved  like  mine  1 O great  Prophet ! thou  hast 
received  this  virtuous  Mussulman  ! Thou  hast  given  him  a 
crown  of  unfading  glory ! O preserve  these  flowers  from 
withering,  which  I lay  as  crowns  upon  his  dear  remains. 

“ The  soul  of  my  dear  Ilfakis  does  not  wander  here,  other- 
wise those^  parched  plains  would  smile  with  verdant  plants  and 
blooming  flowers,  just  as  his  looks  and  words  used  to  raise  in 
my  heart  the  shoots  of  wisdom  and  the  charms  of  virtue. 

“ Be  happy,  sleep,  rest  in  peace,  benevolent  soul.  Deign 
to  receive  this  testimony  of  my  gratitude  while  I thus  adorn 
thy  cold  remains  ! Thou  hast  cultivated  my  mind  with  reason 
and  truth,  hast  taught  me  to  love  my  duty,  and  hast  opened 
my  heart  to  feel  the  delights  of  virtuous  friendship.  Thus  do 
I express  my  friendship  and  gratitude  to  thee.” 

Salamis  was  expecting  his  son’s  return.  “ Habib,”,  said 
he,  “after  thus  obeying  the  emotions  of  gratitude,  you  must 


A RA  BTA  N'  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TA  /NMENTS. 


335 


now  think  of  acquirin^^  knowledge  which  may  be  more  directly 
useful  in  your  situation.  You  are,  my  son,  destined  by  Heaven 
to  succeed  me  in  command  of  the  valiant  tribes  under  my 
dominion.  You  must  march  at  their  head  in  every  military 
expedition.  You  must,  therefore,  learn  how  you  may  conduct 
them  upon  such  occasions,  must  harden  yourself  against 
fatigue,  and  must  acquire  those  military  arts  which  may  best 
enable  you  to  triumph  over  every  enemy  that  shall  dare  to  resist 
you.  By  uniting  address  and  dexterity  to  strength,  you  may 
make  yourself  the  most  gallant  and  intrepid  soldier  in  your 
armies.  You  have  already  begun  to  accustom  yourself  to  bear 
arms.  Only  indolence  or  cowardice  sinks  under  their  weight. 
The  brave  man  makes  himself  familiar  with  it,  and  it  soon 
becomes  light  to  him.  Ah  ! why  cannot  I find  among  my  war- 
riors one  as  well  qualified  to  instruct  you  in  the  exercise  of 
arms,  as  Ilfakis  was  to  initiate  you  in  science  ? An  accom- 
plished soldier  is  a phoenix  scarcely  to  be  found.  The  great 
prophet  performed  a miracle  in  our  favor,  by  preserving  Ilfakis  ; 
would  that  his  goodness  would  also  send  me  the  extraordinary 
character  to  whom  I wish  now  to  commit  you.’’  ‘‘  Father,” 
said  Habib,  in  my  diversions  I can  attack  your  most  vigorous 
horses  ; my  strength  and  courage  never  forsake  me.  Change 
this  robe  of  linen  for  a cuirass  of  iron.  Give  me  a heavier 
buckler  and  a stronger  lance,  and  you  shall  then  find  me  no 
unworthy  companion  to  yourself.  Ah  ! when  shall  I be  per- 
mitted to  lay  aside  these  clothes,  which  render  almost  my  very 
sex  equivocal,  and  convey  no  favorable  idea  of  the  vigor  which 
nature  has  given  me  ? It  requires  only  to  be  tutored  to  disci- 
pline. All  my  wish  is,  to  learn  how  I best  may  employ  it.” 
“ Worthy  present  from  the  hand  of  Heaven  ! ” said  the  emir, 
embracing  his  son.  “ Happy  child  ! hope  of  my  tribes.  He 
who  inspires  you  with  such  noble  dispositions  will  surely  assist 
you  in  the  cultivation  of  them.” 

Hardly  was  this  conversation  ended,  when  a warrior  pre- 
sented himself  at  the  intrenchments  around  Salamis’s  camp, 
and  begged  to  have  the  honor  of  being  admitted  into  his  pres- 
ence. “ Introduce  him,”  said  the  emir.  ‘‘  My  heart,  the  first 
wish  of'  which  is  to  see  peace  and  justice  reign  through  the 
earth,  desires  to  live  among  men  who  are  their  protectors.” 
The  stranger  appeared. 

The  noble  steed  on  which  he  was  borne,  covered  him  with 
his  flowing  mane,  so  that  only  the  crest  of  his  helmet  and  the 
plume  of  feathers  waving  upon  it,  could  be  seen.  He  ap- 
proached the  tent,  and  alighted  from  his  horse.  Habib,  who 


336  ARAB/A JV  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

had  gone  before,  seized  the  bridle,  and  delivered  him  to  one  of 
the  emir’s  grooms.  ‘‘Valiant  knight,”  said  the  emir,  “with* 
what  intentions  came  you  hither  ? ” “ I came,”  replied  the 

unknown  knight,  “ to  do  homage  to  the  virtues,  the  courage, 
and  the  power  of  the  great  emir,  Ben-Hilac  Salamis,  and  to 
ask  young  Habib  to  admit  me  to  share  the  favors  with  which 
he  is  loaded  by  the  lovely  daughter  of  Hymen.  The  warrior 
who  has  her  in  his  arms,  intoxicated  with  the  enjoyment,  will 
soon  forget  the  dangers  to  which  he  has  been  exposed.” 

The  emir,  not  comprehending  what  was  meant  by  this  ad- 
dress, asked  his  son  to  explain  it.  “ Father,”  said  Habib,  in  a 
tone  of  kind  concern,  “ this  noble  knight  asks  leave  to  salute 
you,  and  to  share  my  coffee.” 

Then  turning  to  the  stranger  : “ Warrior,”  said  he,  “ to 
desire  the  favors  of  the  daughter  of  Hymen  is  to  show  one’s- 
self  worthy  of  those  which  she  delights  to  pour  into  the  hearts 
of  such  as  love  glory.  Nothing  of  what  you  desire  shall  be 
refused  you  here.  The  hero  whom  you  see  is  Emir  Salamis, 
and  I am  his  son  Habib.” 

The  two  heroes  then  saluted  each  other.  Salamis  had 
never  seen  a man  of  finer  figure,  or  one  in  whom  majesty  and 
grace  were  more  happily  united.  His  arms  of  polished  steel 
reflected  the  sun’s  rays  with  such  lustre,  that  they  seemed  to 
rob  him  of  that  radiance  which  they  borrowed.  His  helmet 
glittered  like  a meteor  in  the  sky ; the  blade  of  his  cimeter 
flamed  afar.  No  gold  or  diamonds  decorated  any  part  of  his 
armor ; its  lustre  was  owing  to  its  simplicity,  and  to  the  war- 
rior’s care. 

While  this  stranger  knight  was  drinking  his  coffee,  Salamis  . 
was  curious  to  learn,  from  his  own  mouth,  what  were  the  mo- 
tives which.had  brought  him  to  his  camp . 

“ Illustrious  and  powerful  emir,”  replied  the  knight,  “ I am 
of  a Parthian  family,  and  was  born  in  a remote  part  of  India. 
In  my  infancy  I conceived  a passion  for  glory,  and  betook 
myself  to  the  profession  of  arms.  The  fame  which  you  have 
acquired  in  Arabia  roused  my  emulation.  I wished  for  a 
nearer  knowledge  of  him  whom  I considered  as  a noble  model 
for  my  imitation.  On  the  confines  of  your  territories  I learned 
that  you  at  this  time  wanted  a governor  to  assist  you  in  the 
military  education  of  young  Habib  ; and  although  he  might 
learn  all  that  can  be  necessary  from  his  father,  Salamis,  yet  I 
conceived  that  as  it  was  requisite  for  him  to  be  constantly  at- 
tended in  all  his  exercises,  my  services  might  be  of  use  to  him, 
and  I am,  therefore,  come  to  offer  them.” 


ARAhrAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAINMENTS.  337 

Sir/’  replied  the  emir,  ‘‘  I feel  myself  much  obliged  to  you, 
and  the  generosity  of  your  sentiments  determines  me  to  accept 
your  services.  But  since  my  son  must  one  day  be  able  to  rule 
my  dominions,  none  shall  be  his  instructor  who  cannot  master 
me  in  fight.  Let  us  try  our  strength  against  one  another,  and 
without  malice  contend  for  victory.  The  man  who  conquers 
me  shall  be  tutor  to  my  son.  It  is  an  honor,”  replied  the 
stranger  knight,  “ to  which  the  greatest  warriors  might  be 
proud  to  aspire.  I accept  the  challenge  of  the  great  Salamis, 
nor  shall  I be  ashamed  to  confess  him  my  conqueror,  whom 
none  has  ever  conquered.” 

Salamis’s  ministers,  who  witnessed  this  challenge,  dissuaded 
him  from  it,  and  told  him  that  he  was  wrong  to  enter  into  any 
such  contest,  with  a man  whose  birth  and  condition  in  life  were 
unknown  to  him.  ‘‘  What  signify  rank  and  birth  ? ” replied  the 
emir.  It  is  a warrior  I want,  not  a king.  If  this  knight  is 
blinded  by  presumption,  I can  be  in  no  danger  in  contending 
with  him  ; but  if  his  courage  is  equal  to  his  manly  assurance, 
neither  of  us  will  be  at  any  disadvantage,  and  I shall  have  en- 
tered the  lists  with  my  equal.”  Then  turning  to  the  stranger: 
‘‘  Sir  knight,”  said  he,  “ rest  yourself,  and  let  your  steed  recover 
breath.  I do  not  wish  you  to  combat  with  me  under  any  dis- 
advantage. If  I desire  to  measure  my  strength  and  courage 
against  yours,  it  is  not  to  avoid  giving  you  my  esteem,  but  to 
put  it  in  your  power  to  conquer  it.  On  the  day  after  to-morrow 
we  shall  proceed  to  the  camp.” 

Habib  conducted  the  stranger  into  a tent  prepared  for  him. 
The  knight,  sensibly  affected  with  the  kindness  and  attention 
thus  shown  to  him,  looked  upon  the  youth  with  a heart  already 
interested  by  his  character.  ‘‘The  young  vine,”  said  he, 
“ loaded  with  fruit,  engages  the  passing  traveller  to  set  a prop 
for  its  support.  When  the  grape  ripens,  it  will  offer  itself  to 
the  passenger’s  hand.” 

They  then  saluted  one  another,  and  Habib  retired  to  his 
father’s  tent.  When  day  returned,  he  ran  to  the  tent  of  the 
knight,  who  had  already  begun  to  fill  that  place  in  his  heart 
which  Ilfakis  had  formerly  held.  He  found  him  busy  in  scour- 
ing his  arms,  and  examining  his  horse’s  harness.  “ What ! you 
yourself  do  this  ?”  said  the  young  sultan.  “ Yes,  prince,  he 
who  is  jealous  of  his  glory  ought  to  neglect  nothing  that  can 
contribute  to  it ; his  arms  are  the  only  mirror  a true  knight 
deigns  to  use.” 

In  the  mean  time  the  field  was  prepared  in  which  Salamis 
and  the  stranger  knight  were  to  enter  the  lists.  The  trumpets 


338  ARAB/AAT  mCITTS'  ENTERTAhVMENTS, 

sounded ; an  immense  crowd  of  spectators  stood  around  the 
barriers.  The  warriors  appeared  ; and  on  both  sides  the  ad- 
vantages appeared  so  equal,  that  it  was  impossible  to  say  to 
whom  the  victory  might  incline. 

The  lances  they  poised  were  of  equal  weight ; their  horses 
of  the  same  size  and  strength.  They  rushed  towards  one 
another  with  the  impetuosity  of  lightning.  Furious,  however, 
as  was  the  shock,  they  both  remained  immovable  in  their  seats, 
and  their  lances  were  broken  in  pieces.  Salamis,  who  had 
never  before  met  with  such  opposition,  was  astonished  to  find 
so  vigorous  an  assault  ineffectual;  and  his  adver^sary,  from 
other  motives,  which  it  is  yet  too  soon  to  mention,  was  himself 
at  the  same  time  in  the  greatest  surprise.  The  emir  made  a 
sign  to  his  adversary  that  he  wanted  to  speak  with  him.  The 
stranger  knight  stopped,  alighted  from  his  horse,  and  advanced 
up  to  him. 

‘‘  Brave  knight,’’  said  the  emir,  you  have  given  me  a high 
proof  of  your  prowess,  which  makes  me  hope  that  to-morrow, 
when  we  meet  with  our  cimeter  in  our  hands,  I shall  find  an 
adversary  worthy  of  myself.”  “ Great  prince,”  replied  the 
stranger  knight,  never  mortal  yet  got  the  advantage  over  me. 
It  is  to  my  great  astonishment  that  I have  found  one  able  to 
resist  to  me.  I value  too  highly  the  honor  you  have  done  me, 
to  refuse  the  challenge  you  offer  me  for  to-morrow.”  After 
this  the  two  warriors  shook  hands,  parted,  and  laid  aside  their 
arms.  Habib  went  to  his  father’s  tent,  to  do  what  filial  duty 
required,  and  then  at  the  impulse  of  friendship,  returned  soon 
after  to  the  stranger,  while  those  who  had  been  appointed  to 
serve  him  were  relieving  him  of  his  arms.  ‘‘  You  no  longer 
refuse,  then,”  said  Habib,  “ to  employ  those  who  are  appointed 
to  obey  your  orders?  ” ‘‘No,  my  amiable  sultan.  Let  me  tell 

you  an  apologue,  the  meaning  of  which  I apply  to  my  own  pro 
fession,  certainly  the  first  in  the  world.  When  the  sun  rises, 
he  employs  no  hand  but  his  own  to  spread  out  the  rays  which 
surround  him.  When  he  goes  to  rest,  he  leaves  it  to  the  waves 
of  the  ocean,  into  which  he  sinks,  to  extinguish  them.” 

“ I shall  answer  you  with  another  apologue,”  said  Habib, 
“ or  rather  with  a truth  with  which  you  impress  me.  The  hero 
who  has  sustained  unmoved  the  enormous  weight  of  my  father’s 
lance  has  dazzled  my  eyes  with  his  lustre,  and  he  whom  I see 
still  shine  can  never  be  extinguished.” 

“ A young  eaglet,”  replied  the  stranger,  “ who  is  yet  scarce 
fledged,  opened  his  eyes  to  the  light  for  the  first  time.  He  saw 
a glow-worm  on  the  foliage  of  a neighboring  tree,  and  was  not 


ARABIAN'  mGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


339 


tlazzled  with  the  sight.  The  prince  of  birds,  then,  no  longer 
doubted  that  he  would  one  day  gaze  on  the  sun  with  a steady 
eye.'’ 

‘‘  Sure,”  said  Habib,  “ the  phoenix  which  speaks  to  me  is 
continually  revived  from  his  ashes,  and  at  each  renovation  of 
his  existence,  looks  back  with  contempt  on  all  the  advantages 
he  before  enjoyed.”  ‘‘  With  you,  charming  Habib,  ‘‘  said  the 
warrior,  embracing  him,  ‘‘  I have  no  advantages,  unless,  perhaps, 
in  the  affection  with  which  you  hav^  inspired  me.”  “ Could  1 
open  my  heart  to  you,”  said  Habib,  you  would  acknowledge 
yourself  outdone ; but  my  father  must  no  longer  be  deprived  of 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.  He  loves  heroes,  and  you,  although 
you  say  not  so,  are  a hero.”  It  may  happen,”  replied  the 
stranger,  ‘‘ that  one  of  us  two  may  one  day  become  a hero.  At 
present  I see  no  heroes  here.”  As  they  spoke  thus  they  walked 
hand  in  hand  to  the  tent  of  Salamis.  The  emir  was  pleased  to 
remark  the  rise  of  a mutual  attachment,  which  he  was  deter- 
mined to  strengthen. 

Salamis  no  sooner  saw  the  stranger  knight,  than  he  accosted 
him  with  expressions  of  the  warmest  esteem.  “ I know,”  said 
he,  that  you  can  no  longer  find  difficulty  in  any  trial  I can 
put  you  to.  It  is  not  to  settle  my  own  opinion  with  respect  to 
you,  that  I require  a new  display  of  your  courage  and  vigor, 
but  I command  a warlike  nation,  jealous  of  their  glory,  and  am 
desirous  of  leaving  them  no  shadow  of  doubt  concerning  the 
superior  merit  of  a man  who  is  to  be  honored  with  a preference 
above  them.  I must  carry  my  delicacy  so  far  (and  you  will  not 
disapprove  of  my  doing  so)  as  to  open  the  lists  to  whosoever 
may  think  himself  able  to  dispute  your  triumph,  when  you  shall 
have  finished  your  trials  against  me.  In  the  mean  time,  let  us 
enjoy  the  present  together.  To-morrow  we  shall  force  envy  to 
admire  you.” 

Next  day  displayed  the  most  surprising  combat  that  the 
Arabians  ever  beheld.  The  two  heroes  opposed  buckler  to 
buckler,  and  laid  on  the  most  terrible  blows.  The  stroke  was 
felt  before  the  arm  had  been  seen  to  be  raised.  They  then  laid 
aside  the  buckler  and  cimeter,  and  prepared  to  try  their 
strength  in  wrestling.  The  winds,  in  all  their  fury,  in  vain 
assail  the  cedars  of  Lebanon.  The  earth  trembles  beneath 
them,  but  they  cannot  be  torn  up  by  the  roots. 

Emir  Salamis  did  not  choose  to  keep  up  the  astonishment 
of  the  spectators  longer.  He  was  better  pleased  to  have  met 
v/ith  an  equal  than  he  could  have  been  with  victory  in  the 
contest. 


340 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


‘‘  Let  us  stop  for  a moment,”  said  he,  brave  knight ! my 
surprise  is  every  moment  heightened  ; I never  before  found  any 
one  able  to  withstand  me  ; I was,  indeed,  less  elated  with  my 
victories  than  moved  with  pity  for  the  weakness  of  our  nature. 
When  I compared  our  resources  with  the  natural  advantages 
which  certain  animals  are  possessed  of,  I confess  I was  wrong. 
I think  less  of  the  vigor  of  the  lion,  since  I have  proved  yours. 
Let  us  cease  from  this  fatiguing  exercise,  saddle  our  steeds, 
and  attack  each  other  with  javelins.” 

This  new  species  of  combat  afforded  new  matter  of  triumph 
to  both  the  combatants.  Every  means  that  address,  dexterity, 
and  strength  could  furnish,  were  practised  upon  this  occasion. 
The  emir,  however,  was  beginning  to  lose  his  advantages. 
Youth  gave  his  adversary  a superiority  which  his  valor  could 
not  surmount.  He  was,  besides,  convinced  that  the  stranger 
possessed  in  a most  eminent  degree  all  the  qualities  requisite 
for  the  employment  for  which  he  intended  him.  He  stopped, 
therefore,  and  made  a sign  to  the  stranger  to  do  the  same,  and 
they  returned  hand-in-hand  to  the  camp. 

Knight,”  said  Salamis,  my  son  will  find  in  you  a second 
father.  You  know  how  your  own  vigor  has  been  improved  by 
continued  exercise,  by  which  means  only  you  could  add  to  it 
such  amazing  dexterity  and  address.  You  know  also  how 
necessary  it  is  that  we  be  accustomed  to  dangers,  in  order  that 
we  may  acquire  due  coolness  of  temper  and  firmness  of  mind. 
I give  up  to  your  care  the  only  object  of  my  hopes.  Teach  him 
to  know  what  true  glory  is,  and  how  attainable  by  the  warrior.” 

Young  Habib  had,  by  his  wishes  and  inclination,  already 
anticipated  his  father’s  intentions.  He  therefore  joyfully 
followed  his  new  master.  come,”  said  he,  ‘‘to  profit  by 
your  lessons.  I must  imitate  my  father  and  you,  and  may  I 
approach  near  to  the  perfection  of  the  models  I aspire  to 
imitate.” 

“ We  will  portion  out  our  time  to  our  different  tasks,  my 
dear  Habib,”  said  II  Haboul,  for  this  was  the  name  of  the 
Indian  knight.  “ The  day  we  shall  spend  in  such  exercises  as 
may  improve  your  vigor  and  address  to  equal  your  courage. 
In  the  evening  we  shall  converse  of  those  qualities  which  will 
be  necessary  to  fit  you  to  rule  over  the  most  independent 
people  on  earth.  They  have  at  all  times  preferred  liberty  to 
luxury.  Valor,  joined  with  prudence,  are  the  qualities  they 
adore.  These  are  the  titles  by  which  the  emir,  your  father, 
reigns  over  sixty-six  tribes.  You  cannot  inherit  his  power  un- 
less you  acquire  his  virtues.” 


A RABIAiV  NIGHTS^  ENl^ERTAINMENTS, 


341 


On  this  plan  did  II  Haboul  direct  Habib’s  education,  and  it 
soon  produced  the  happiest  fruits.  Emir  Salamis  was  soon 
after  engaged  in  a war,  in  which  the  young  sultan  distinguished 
himself  by  prodigies  of  valor.  Being  ordered  upon  a difficult 
service,  he  distinguished  himself  by  his  prudence  and  firmness; 
and  when  called  on  to  assist  in  his  father’s  councils  he  aston- 
ished the  ministers  by  the  wise  advice  he  offered. 

II  Haboul’s  task  was  now  finished,  and  he  was  obliged  to 
part  from  his  pupil.  It  was  proper  to  acquaint  the  young 
prince  with  the  necessity  which  called  him  away.  “ My  son,” 
said  he,  “ I must  leave  you.  I am  called  into  another  country 
by  the  orders  of  my  superiors.”  ‘‘  What,”  said  Habib,  “ and 
will  you  leave  me  ? ” “ I am  no  longer  necessary  to  you  here, 

and  am  besides  obliged  to  yield  to  the  commands  of  fate.” 
“ How  unfortunate  am  I ! ” replied  the  youth.  Death  de- 
prived me  of  my  former  master,  Ilfakis,  whom  I still  remember 
with  regret,  and  a harsh  command  now  forces  you  to  part  from 
me  I But,  do  we  part  forever  ? May  not  I know  why  ? Can- 
not my  father  prevail  with  you  to  alter  your  resolution  ” “No 
human  power  can,”  replied  II  Haboul;  “ but  I hope  to  see  you 
again.  However,  my  dear  Habib,  I can  offer  you  at  least  a 
partial  consolation.  He  whom  you  loved  under  'e  name 
of  Ilfakis  is  not  dead,  but  still  remains  attached  o you.” 
“How.^^”  replied  Habib,  “I  myself  attended  his  fecral,  and 
wept  over  his  tomb.” 

“ My  son,”  replied  II  Haboul,  “ the  story  of  the  death  you 
speak  of  is  connected  with  various  others,  in  which  you  are 
concerned,  perhaps  even  with  yours  and  mine.  Listen  to  what 
1 shall  relate.  Remember  your  horoscope,  and  be  not  sur- 
prised at  the  story  you  are  about  to  hear.  In  the  first  place, 
know  that  he  who  loves  and  speaks  to  you  is  not  a human 
being,  but  a genie,  employed  by  destiny  to  conduct  you  to  the 
high  fate  for  which  you  were  born.” 


STORY  OF  ILLABOUSATROUS,  OF  KING  SCHAL-GOASE, 
AND  OF  CAMARILZAMAN. 

It  is  well  known  to  you,  my  dear  prince,  that  some  of  the 
genii  of  the  race  of  Eblis  bowed  the  knee  to  the  great  Solo- 
mon. Illabousatrous  was  one  of  the  first  of  these.  I am  of 
the  same  race,  and  took  the  same  steps.  Among  my  own 
people  I am  called  a cadi,  by  the  grace  of  God  and  of  Solo- 
mon. To  escape  the  resentmen?t  and  vengeance  of  the  party 


342 


ARABIAAT  ATIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


whom  he  had  forsaken,  and  to  induce  the  Prophet,  to  whom  we 
have  submitted,  to  alleviate  the  yoke  imposed  upon  us,  we  form 
alliances  with  the  children  of  Adam,  and  through  their  means 
partake  of  the  blessings  of  the  earth. 

Illabousatrous  had  by  a woman  a daughter  of  great  beauty, 
whom  he  named  Camarilzaman  ; to  secure  her  peace  and 
happiness,  he  wished  to  marry  her  to  one  of  the  greatest  mon- 
archs  of  the  earth.  At  that  time  there  reigned  over  the  isles 
in  the  middle  of  the  seven  seas,  the  most  distant  region  of  the 
east,  a potent  monarch  named  Schal-Goase.  Illabousatrous 
appeared  to  this  prince  in  the  form  of  an  old  man,  and  pro- 
posed an  alliance  between  them,  of  which  the  fair  Camarilza- 
man was  the  pledge.  The  monarch  saw  the  princess,  fell  in 
love  with  her,  and  married  her.  Many  of  the  genii  who  were 
subject  to  Illabousatrous,  settled  in  the  dominions  of  Schal- 
goase.  The  circumjacent  sea  was  peopled  with  them,  and  in 
no  place  under  heaven  did  the  genii  and  the  children  of  men 
live  in  better  amity.  This  happy  correspondence  promised  to 
be  further  confirmed  and  improved,  upon  the  birth  of  the 
charming  Dorathil-goase,  the  first  issue  of  the  marriage,  be- 
tween Schal-goase  and  Camarilzaman. 

Were  the  gifts  of  Heaven  always  pledges  of  prosperity  in 
this  world,  nobody,  sure,  could  have  been  happier  than  this 
lovely  princess.  Her  infant  beauty  seemed  to  irradiate  the 
.radle  in  which  she  was  laid  ; each  day  she  displayed  opening 
graces  ; but  when  her  father  and  grandfather  consulted  the 
stars  respecting  her  destiny,  the  same  confusion  which  appear- 
ed to  disturb  the  planetary  system  at  your  birth,  discovered  it- 
self upon  the  occasion  of  hers,  and  that  with  such  perfect  simi- 
larity, as  to  prove  that  you  were  the  Arabian  prince,  sprung 
from  the  prophet’s  favorite  tribe,  to  whom  fate  had  destined 
the  possession  of  the  princess,  to  be  obtained  through  a series 
of  dangers  equally  alarming  to  both,  and  this  union  alone 
could  insure  her  peace  and  happiness,  her  fortune  and  yours. 

From  this  time  Illabousatrous  intrusted  me  with  the  care  of 
your  education ; but  Solomon’s  orders  did  hot  permit  me  to 
approach  you.  I could  obtain  no  commission  favorable  to  our 
purpose,  till  such  time  as  your  father  became  desirous  of  find- 
ing you  a preceptor.  Ilfakis,  whom  the  emir,  your  father,  had 
in  view,  was  dying.  I came  to  the  tent  where  he  lay,  and  at 
the  very  instant  when  the  angel  of  death  was  parting  his  soul 
from  his  body,  I substituted  my  own  spirit  in  the  room  of  his. 
By  means  of  a potent  elixir  I reanimated  his  body,  and  to  this 
miracle  you  owed  your  governor. 


ARABIAN  JVIGJITS^  ENBERIAINMENJB. 


343 


When  I saw  that  it  was  time  for  you  to  apply  to  the  manly 
exercises,  I carried  the  body  of  Ilfakis  back  to  his  tent,  and 
withdrew  that  influence  by  which  it  had  been  withheld  from 
dissolution. 

My  next  care  was  to  find  you  a valiant  knight.  In  this 
search  I soon  found  one  expiring  on  the  field  of  battle,  after 
he  had  covered  it  with  the  bodies  of  his  fallen  enemies.  I 
seized  his  body,  stopped  the  blood  flowing  from  his  wounds, 
healed  them  with  a balsam  much  more  powerful  in  its  opera- 
tions than  that  of  Mecca,  restored  all  his  former  vigor,  armed 
him  with  a lance  which  had  been  wielded  by  the  hand  of  Solo- 
mon, and  you  see  before  you  that  knight.  In  this  form  I pre- 
sented myself  to  Emir  Salamis,  and  demanded  to  share  the 
honors  of  the  daughter  of  Hymen  ; upon  which  you  became 
my  pupil. 

My  dear  Habib,  you  have  formed  a tender  friendship  for 
me  under  both  forms.  Your  heart  has  never  deceived  you. 
Never  did  a being  of  any  nature  conceive  so  tender  an  affec- 
tion for  one  of  the  children  of  Adam  as  that  which  I feel  for 
you.  You  have  no  distrust  of  me.  Recollect  the  lessons  I 
gave  you  in  the  character  of  Ilfakis.  When  I instructed  you 
in  the  knowledge  of  talismans,  I explained  their  use  ; but  I at 
the  same  time  put  you  on  your  guard  against  the  spirits  to 
which  they  might  subject  you.  The  race  of  Eblis  are,  in  gen- 
eral, extremely  corrupt  and  wicked.  Happy  he  among  us  who 
has  been  sealed  with  the  great  seal  of  Solomon.  The  rest  are 
continually  busied  about  our  destruction  and  yours. 

Thus  do  they  persecute  the  fair  Dorathil-goase,  who  might 
rescue  them  from  the  effects  of  the  curse  pronounced  against 
them,  as  she  is  the  daughter  of  a man  by  a female  genie. 
Hence  they  have  already  become  suspicious  of  you  as  a faithful 
Mussulman  and  the  hero  destined  to  avenge  the  wrongs  of  Dora- 
thil-goase, and  defeat  their  treacherous  attempts  against  her. 

This  princess  has  ascended  the  throne  in  consequence  of 
her  father’s  death.  Illabousatrous,  her  grandfather,  has  given 
her  some  of  his  ablest  genii  for  viziers  ; but  the  isle  in  which 
the  capital  stands  is  the  only  one  that  remains,  at  present,  in  a 
state  of  tranquillity.  The  other  six,  with  the  seven  seas,  form- 
ing the  rest  of  her  dominions,  are  either  at  present  in  a state  of 
revolt,  or  have  been  infested  by  hostile  incursions.  Only  one 
resource  now  remains  to  save  the  lovely  queen,  and  by  this  the 
constellations  have  destined  that  she  shall  be  saved.  Young 
Habib,  on  whom  she  Has  bestowed  her  heart,  shall  so©n  mmt 
to  deliver  her  from  her  enemies. 


'44 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTETTAINMENTS. 


During  this  recital  by  II  Haboul,  the  young  sultan,  led 
alternately  from  hope  to  fear,  from  surprise  to  surprise,  and 
from  wonder  to  wonder,  stood  with  his  eyes  fixed,  and  hardly 
breathing.  His  whole  soul  was  agitated  with  emotions  to  which 
he  had  hitherto  been  a stranger.  Called  by  destiny  to  the 
throne  of  the  seven  seas,  and  to  receive  the  hand  of  a princess 
whose  felicity  depended  on  him  alone,  he  felt  an  unvoluntary 
emotion,  and  burnt  already  with  ardor  to  expose  himself  to  the 
dangers  which  threatened  him.  The  feelings  of  love  and  the 
desire  of  glory  alike  encouraged  him  to  an  enterprise  in  which 
success  was  to  be  doubly  crowned. 

“ Dear  and  powerful  genie,’’  said  he  to  his  protector,  “ what 
road  am  I to  take  1 Deign,  before  you  leave  me,  to  acquaint 
me  by  what  means  I may  soonest  haste  to  the  assistance  of  her 
who  expects  all  my  valor.  The  sacrifice  of  my  life  and  quiet  is 
but  a small  matter  to  justify  the  partiality  by  which  she  is  de- 
termined in  my  favor,  and  the  decrees  of  destiny  by  which  our 
union  is  appointed.” 

“ By  these  noble  sentiments,”  replied  II  Haboul,  ‘‘  I know 
my  pupil,  the  son  of  Emir  Salamis  ; but  remember,  my  dear 
Habib,  that  the  genii,  your  rivals  for  the  hand  of  Dorathil-goase, 
and,  indeed,  your  avowed  enemies,  will  act  keenly  and  vigor- 
ously against  you.  They  will  combine  in  the  execution  of  their 
enterprises  wicked  men,  who  will  obey  them  without  knowing 
what  they  do  ; the  brute  animals,  the  elements,  and  in  short  all 
nature,  will  be  united  to-accomplish  their  odious  machinations.” 
‘‘  God  and  my  courage  will  not  forsake  me,”  said  Habib,  “ and 
you  yourself  will  contribute  to  my  success.”  “ Ah  ! to  be  sure,” 
replied  the  genie,  ‘‘  I might  be  of  great  service  to  you  were  I 
aot  obliged  to  return  the  body  of  the  Indian  warrior  to  the  dust ; 
but  I am  constrained  by  a rigid  law  which  I cannot  elude. 
Persevere  courageously  in  your  noble  intentions.  Expect  not 
that  I should  now  point  out  the  road  you  are  now  to  take.  You 
are  divided  from  your  mistress  by  the  whole  length  of  the  earth, 
and  only  the  orders  of  destiny  can  open  to  you  her  dominions, 
which  are  at  present  shut  up  on  all  sides  by  the  malice  of  her 
enemies.” 

‘‘  You  once  told  me,  my  dear  II  Haboul,  that  the  brave  man 
might  bend  destiny  to  his  wishes.”  “ You  may,  indeed,  take 
such  violent  measures  when  no  choice  remains.  But  have 
patience  till  some  event  shall  direct  you  how  to  act ; I fear  that 
whatever  you  might  undertake  at  present  would  turn  out  agains*’ 
you.  Go,  attack  lions,  one  of  which  you  have  already  destroyea, 
without  other  weapons  than  your  poniard.  Make  yourself  be 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


34S 


forehand  familiar  with  dangers,  that  you  may  be  prepared  for 
those  which  await  you.  Farewell,  my  dear  Habib  ; I return  no 
more  to  the  camp  of  Salamis : I must  avoid  coming  to  any  ex- 
planation with  him  ; and  if  you  let  him  know  who  I am,  and 
who  I have  been,  at  least  let  every  one  else  remain  ignorant  of 
these  circumstances.  Depend  upon  retaining  the  friendship  of 
him  who  has  not  always  been  a friend  to  mankind,  but  whom 
you  have  fully  reconciled  to  them.  Embrace  me  ! II  Haboul 
now  mounted  his  steed  and  rode  away. 

As  soon  as  he  was  out  of  the  young  sultan’s  sight,  he  struck 
into  the  desert,  and  halted  at  the  foot  of  a hill.  There  he  left 
the  horse  on  which  he  rode,  and  having  dug  a grave,  deposited 
in  it  his  mortal  body ; and  availing  himself  of  the  two  last  days 
which  the  orders  of  Solomon  yet  left  him,  proceeded  without 
delay  to  the  frontiers  of  the  dominions  of  Dorathil-goase. 

A black  battalion  withstood  his  approach  ; but  he  learned 
from  a spirit  which  had  deserted,  that  the  White  Isle,  the 
Yellow  Isle,  the  Green,  the  Red,  and  the  Blue  Isles,  had  been 
subdued  by  the  genie  Abarikalf,  who,  although  at  first  master 
only  of  the  Black  Isle,  had  now  obtained  possession  of  all  the 
others,  and  of  the  seas  by  which  they  are  divided. 

The  princess,  shut  up  in  her  capital  of  Medinaz-Ilballor,* 
was  no  longer  mistress  of  any  part  of  her  dominions  but  the 
territory  in  which  the  city  stood.  This  was  all  that  the  protec- 
tion of  her  grandfather,  Illabousatrous,  and  the  exertions  of  tlie 
genii  whom  he  placed  as  her  viziers,  could  save  from  the  rebel, 
who  had  collected  a legion  of  revolted  spirits  from  the  depth  of 
the  sea.  The  six  isles,  thus  reduced  under  the  power  of  the 
evil  genii,  were  governed  by  rulers  still  more  mischievous  and 
tyrannical.  The  people  were  the  victims  of  their  vices,  and  the 
continual  sport  of  their  diabolical  enchantments.  Dorathil- 
goase  called  in  vain  on  the  deliverer  promised  her  by  fate.  All 
the  passes  were  guarded,  and  the  place  of  her  residence  was 
inaccessible  to  man.  All  nature  seemed  subject  to  those  malig- 
nant genii. 

II  Haboul  was  inwardly  distressed  to  see  so  many  obstacles 
opposed  to  his  pupil’s  valor  ; but  he  himself  was  now  reduced 
to  silence  and  inactivity,  and  could  only  wait  with  impatience 
for  the  time  when  his  protection  should  become  necessary.  He 
returned,  therefore,  to  the  duties  of  his  former  post,  and  waited 
for  the  issue  of  events. 

Habib,  upon  the  departure  of  his  master,  had  returned, 


The  cky  of  crystal. 


346  ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

hastily,  to  Salamis  and  Amirala,  and  acquainted  them  with  the 
wondrous  things  of  which  he  had  just  been  informed.  The 
sparkling  of  his  eyes,  the  elevation  of  his  voice,  and  the  confu- 
sion of  his  discourse,  well  expressed  how  much  he  was  affected 
by  the  dangers  and  the  charms  of  Dorathil-goase,  the  perplexity 
which  he  felt,  and  the  hopes  he  had  conceived.  ‘‘  On  me  only 
is  she  to  rely,’’  said  he,  with  a noble  assurance.  ‘‘  I can  know 
no  rest  till  I have  delivered  her.  The  moments  are  precious. 
No  person  can  point  out  or  open  the  road  by  which  I am  to 
proceed  to  her  assistance  ! In  this  state  of  uncertainty,  what 
can  I do  1 ” 

His  parents  saw  that  this  uncommon  passion  was  produced, 
not  so  much  by  sympathy,  as  by  the  influence  of  the  stars,  which 
they  could  not  counteract.  Instead  of  combating  his  resolu- 
tions, therefore,  they  only  laid  his  duties  anew  before  him,  and 
reminded  him  of  the  sage  advice  he  had  received  from  his  gov- 
ernor. The  young  man,  to  avoid  habits  of  sloth  and  inactivity, 
and  to  accustom  himself  still  more  and  more  to  hardship,  re- 
tired from  the  tents  of  the  tribe  to  a solitary  recess,  which  he 
and  II  Haboul  had  formerly  prepared  together  in  a sequestered 
vale,  surrounded  by  the  iiiiis  adjoining  the  camp  of  Salamis. 

Here  they  had  amused  themselves,  amidst  their  martial  ex- 
ercises, with  forming  a dike  to  dam  up  the  course  of  a small 
rivulet,  by  which  its  waters  \vere  collected  into  a natural  basin. 
The  surrounding  trees  afforded  deligi'^tful  shade,  and  diffused 
their  branches  so  thick,  that  the  surrounding  hills  could  scarcely 
be  seen  through  the  foliage.  The  greatest  variety  of  flowers, 
the  rarest  plants,  the  most  precious  aromatic  herbs,  grew  in 
abundance  on  the  banks  of  the  rivulet ; and  the  ground  being 
preserved  by  the  coolness  of  the  water,  by  which  it  was  so 
liberally  refreshed,  from  suffering  by  the  heat  of  the  sun,  dis- 
played in  profusion  all  the  riches  of  nature.  At  a small  dis- 
tance stood  a hut,  or  rather  a palace,  formed  of  the  branches  of 
trees  covered  with  rushes,  and  spread  with  mats.  The  skins  of 
v/ild  animals,  \vhich  they  had  slain,  formed  their  sofas.  An 
outer  fence  of  stakes  secured  this  little  dwelling  against  any 
hostile  assault. 

II  Haboul,  when  he  persuaded  Habib  to  form  this  rustic 
abode,  taught  him  how  he  might  one  day  supply  all  his  own 
wants.  Sitting  down  by  the  door,  he  invited  his  pupil  to  con- 
template the  noble  amphitheatre  before  him.  “ Have  you  not 
a pleasure,”  continued  he,  in  thinking  that  for  the  enjoyment 
which  these  afford,  you  are  indebted  to  yourself  alone  ? Thus 
we  never  can  be  perfectly  happy  but  through  ourselves.” 


ARABIAN’  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


347 


This  retirement,  of  which  Habib  was  very  fond,  was  well 
calculated  to  feed  his  growing  passion.  He  had  retired  to  think 
of  the  sole  object  of  his  wishes,  and  of  the  means  by  which  they 
might  be  united. 

One  day,  as  he  was  musing,  with  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  Almos, 
yet  without  reading,  and  his  imagination  absorbed  in  the  ideas 
of  love  and  war,  he  heard  a sudden  noise  in  the  air.  He  kneeled 
down,  upon  this,  and  moving  the  branches  aside  with  his  hand, 
perceived  a large  shade  descending  over  the  pond.  After  con- 
tinuing its  progress  fora  small  space,  the  object  which  produced 
this  shade  halted  upon  the  brink  of  the  water.  It  was  a bird  of 
a dark  gray  color,  and  bore  upon  its  back  a pavilion,  the  sides 
of  which  seemed  to  be  gauze,  and  the  doors  and  windows  were 
decorated,  all  about,  with  flowers. 

The  bird  alighted,  and  the  pavilion  opened.  A golden  stair- 
case was  let  down  from  it.'  On  the  top  of  this  appeared  a figure, 
supported  by  others  no  less  remarkable  for  beauty.  On  her  head 
she  wore  a tiara  formed  of  the  tresses  of  her  own  hair,  interwo- 
ven with  strings  of  pearls.  The  lily  and  the  rose  vied  in  her 
cheek  ; the  lustre  of  her  eyes,  her  vermilion  lips,  and  the  lovely 
dimples  around  them,  bore  at  once  an  expres-sion  of  smiling 
sweetness  and  keen  sensibility. 

She  raised  her  eyes  to  heaven,  and  the  sun  was  eclipsed  ; 
she  turned  them  upon  the  ground,  and  it  was  bespread  with 
flowers.  She  smiled,  and  all  nature  seemed  to  smile  around 
her.  But  how  was  Habib  affected  when  he  saw  her  move  and 
walk  with  grace  and  majesty  ! She  leaned  on  the  arm  of  one 
of  the  beauties  who  attended  her,  and  thus  proceeded  to  the 
sultan’s  recess,  and  there  sat  down  upon  the  grass,  within  two 
paces  of  him,  yet  without  perceiving  him. 

She  looked  just  to  one  side,  then  to  the  other;  then  sighing, 
said,  “ I have  been  deceived.  He  is  not  here ; this  is  not  the 
place  of  his  retreat.  But-these  smiling  arbors,  the  sweet  mur- 
mur of  these  waters,  these  flowers  which  art  and  nature  con- 
spire to  rear,  all  here,  in  short,  are  his  work.  But  he  is  not  here. 
Oh,  thou  flowery  turf,  ye  blossoming  bowers,  cherished  by  the 
care  of  my  dear  Habib,  lend  an  ear  to  my  words,  borrow  a voice 
to  tell  my  tale,  and  inform  my  lover  when  he  shall  some  hither, 
that  the  tender  Dorathil-goase  came  to  the  midst  of  Arabia  in 
search  of  her  hero,  to  offer  him  her  throne  and  her  heart,  and 
to  accomplish  his  destiny.  Must  she  then  leave  these  regions, 
without  seeing  the  idol  of  her  soul  ? ” Thus  spoke  the  princess 
sorrowfully,  and  held  her  hands  to  her  eyes  to  stop  her 
tears,  which  were  ready  to  flow.  Habib  at  this  moment  cast 


348  ARAB IAI\r  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

himself  at  her  feet,  which  he  bedewed  with  his  tears,  before  she 
could  perceive  or  prevent  him. 

‘‘  Is  it  you,  then,  I see  ? ’’  cried  she,  looking  at  once  upon 
the  young  hero  at  her  feet,  and  at  his  picture,  which  she  wore 
constantly  in  her  bosom.  Is  not  this  an  illusion,  my  dear 
Habib  ? ’’  “ It  is  your  lover,  your  deliverer,  O queen  of  my 

soul  I ’’  replied  he  passionately,  kissing  her  hand.  After  which, 
silence  was  for  a while  the  only  expression  of  mutual  love  and 
admiration. 

But  this  pure  and  exquisite  enjoyment  was  only  of  a mo- 
ments duration.  A sudden  noise  was  heard,  a bird  appeared 
in  the  air,  approached,  and  by  an  instantaneous  transformation 
became  a genie  in  the  human  form,  who  presented  himself  to 
Dorathil-goase.  ‘‘  What,’’  said  the  queen,  is  it  you,  Ilbac- 
caras  ? What  urgent  reason  brings  you  from  Medinaz-Ilballor, 
to  find  me  here  ? ” 

‘‘  Queen,”  replied  the  genie,  ^ by  your  absence  you  expose 
yourself  to  lose  all  your  dominions.  The  rebel  Abarikaff  has 
taken  advantage  of  this  circumstance  to  attack  the  only  isle 
which  remains  to  you.  Your  grand  vizier  in  vain  opposes  so 
numerous  a host  of  enemies  as  infest  your  shores.  All  the  rebel 
genii  have  ranged  themselves  under  the  banner  of  your  adver- 
sary; they  darken  the  sea,  and  overspread  all  the  coasts. 
Your  subjects  are  terrified  with  the  roaring  of  lions,  sea-bulls, 
and  hippopotami,  which  are  re-echoed  through  the  air  and  make 
your  capital  tremble.  Come  and  oppose  this  rage  with  the 
magic  of  your  talisman ; seize  the  only  pass  which  remains 
open,  and  hold  your  way  through  the  middle  region  of  the  air.” 

At  hearing  this  relation,  Habib  felt  his  blood  boil  within  his 
veins.  His  eyes  were  fired ; his --stature  seemed  to  rise  to  a new 
elevation  ; his  voice  sounded  terribly.  “ Let  us  march  against 
these  monsters,”  cried  he  ; I will  clear  the  earth  and  seas  of 
them ; I will  avenge  Heaven  and  the  queen.”  “ Prince,”  re- 
plied Ilbaccaras,  in  astonishment,  ‘Tf  you  were  properly  armed, 
you  might  be  equal  to  this  enterprise  ; but  the  enemies  of  the 
great  Solomon  can  only  be  vanquished  with  the  arms  of  Solomon. 
These  you  must  seek  on  the  heights  of  Mount  Caucasus,  and  a 
thousand  dangers  block  up  the  way.”  Then  speaking  to  the 
queen,  Let  us  be  gone,  madam,”  said  he ; the  moments  are 
precious  ; if  we  lose  but  one,  the  wicked  Abarikaff  may  triumph.” 

The  two  lovers  tenderly  embraced  each  other,  and  parted 
with  a degree  of  fortitude  becoming  their  love.  Dorathil-goase 
seated  herself  in  her  pavilion ; the  roc  arose  into  the  air  and 
disappeared.  Habib  followed  the  flight  with  his  eyes,  and  now 


ARABIAN  N/G/rrS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


349 

gave  himself  up  with  greater  ardor  than  ever  to  the  tenderness 
of  love  and  ambition  for  glory. 

‘‘  Adieu  ! gentle  rivulet ! said  he,  whose  waters  have  sc^ 
quenched  my  thirst  and  bathed  my  limbs ; thou  canst  be  of  no 
further  service  to  me  ; my  heart,  my  blood,  my  vitals  burn  with 
a flame  which  thou  canst  not  quench. 

Adieu  I thou  flowery  plain,  on  which  my  love  has  deigned 
to  tread.  Preserve,  if  you  can,  the  print  of  her  footsteps,  that 
my  eyes  may  trace  them,  if  I shall  ever  return  hither. 

“ Adieu  1 ye  tender  shrubs,  which  lent  her  your  shade  ; well 
may  ye  boast  of  having  served  as  a canopy  to  such  charms  ! 

“Adieu  ! thou  land  which  has  witnessed  my  felicity  ; never 
shall  Habib  forget  thee  I The  palaces  of  the  kings  of  the  world 
shall  be  worthless  in  my  eyes,  in  comparison  with  thee.  Here 
my  soul  expanded  itself  for  the  first  time  to  happiness  ; here  I 
first  felt  all  the  ardor  of  love  I but  here,  too,  have  I felt  the 
most  cruel  loss  I could  suffer,  for  hence  was  Dorathil-goase 
ravished  from  me  ! Yes,  I will  not  fear  to  brave  the  demons  of 
darkness,  who  dispute  with  me  the  possession  of  my  lovely  mis- 
tress ! Great  prophet  I oh  ! do  thou  open  to  me  the  path  which 
is  to  conduct  me  to  glory  and  happiness ! I will  pierce  the 
heart  of  the  traitor  Abarikaff  ; and  thou,  great  Solomon  ! if  I am 
not  unworthy  of  wearing  thine  armor,  give  me  wings  on  which  I 
may  fly  to  Mount  Caucasus  ! Covered  with  thy  buckler,  may  I 
overthrow  the  enemies  of  the  queen  of  my  heart.” 

Habib,  having  after  this  performed  his  prayers  and  ablutions, 
returned  to  his  father’s  tent,  determined  to  take  the  road  to 
Caucasus  as  soon  as  he  should  have  obtained  permission.  It 
may  be  easily  imagined  how  forcibly  he  would  describe  to  Sal- 
amis  and  Amirala  the  circumstances  of  his  last  adventure  ; his 
words  absolutely  painted.  But  great  was  the  surprise  of  his 
parents  when  he  uttered  a solemn  vow  before  them  not  to  rest 
his  head  in  any  tent,  till  he  should  first  stand  on  the  summit  of 
Mount  Caucasus. 

. “ What  a desperate  enterprise,  my  son,”  said  the  emir ; 

“ know  you  not  that  Mount  Caucasus  is  situated  at  the  utmost 
limits  of  the  earth  ; that  you  must  traverse  dreadful  deserts 
before  you  can  reach  it  ? Men  you  may  vanquish  ; but  how  will 
you  bear  the  severity  of  climates  to  which  you  are  a stranger  ? 
How  can  you  provide  against  the  famine  which  desolates  the 
immense  regions  through  which  you  will  have  to  travel  ? These 
are  enemies  which  you  cannot  overcome.”  “ Ah  ! father,”  re- 
plied Habib,  “ can  any  fear  hold  me  back,  when  I go  under  the 
impulse  of  glory  and  fate  ? And  even  though  I were  a stranger 


350 


ARABIAN  N/GHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


to  the  powerful  influences  of  these,  my  heart  naturally  glows 
with  a detestation  of  tyrants ; 1 could  descend  into  the  bowels 
of  the  earth  to  tear  out  and  punish  the  base  Abarikaff.” 

Salamis  was  obliged  to  yield  to  sentiments  which  he  had 
himself  instilled  into  his  son’s  heart ; he  could  not  reply  with- 
out  contradicting  his  own  prinjiples.  He  chose  twenty  men  of 
tried  prudence  and  courage  to  attend  his  son,  and  gave  them 
commodious  and  suitable  equipage,  with  two  camels  to  bear  the 
tents  and  the  baggage. 

The  day  for  their  departure  came,  and  the  emir  was  forced 
to  tear  himself  from  the  arms  of  his  affectionate  and  beloved 
son.  Their  parting  scene  was  sorrowful ; the  tender  Amirala 
wept,  and  cried  : 

‘‘  My  cedar,  fastened  by  strong  roots,  surpassing  in  beauty 
the  cedars  f LeLanoi . The  birds  of  the  air  built  their  nests 
upon  its  branches;  our  flock  pastured  under  the  shade  ; but, 
lo ! it  is  suddenly  borne  away  through  the  parched  and  sandy 
deserts, 

‘‘Ye  furious  winds,  strive  not  to  shake  it.  It  was  made  to 
brave  your  fury  1 

“Ye  gloomy  clouds,  ye  lightning,  ye  tempests,  which  pre- 
cede the  bursting  of  the  thunder,  respect  a stem  impressed  with 
the  seal  of  the  great  prophet ! ” 

“Enough,  my  dear  Amirala,”  said  Salamis;  “our  son’s 
intention  is  noble ; he  is  bound  by  his  vow  to  prosecute  this 
enterprise  ; the  lioness  nurses  not  her  whelps  for  herself  alone ; 
when  age  and  enemies  call,  she  sends  them  to  face  the  fero- 
cious tigers.” 

The  company  at  length  departed.  Habib  wore  a massy 
cuirass  of  Haoudi  His  buckler  seemed  to  him  light,  but 
would  have  wearied  the  strongest  arm.  A tree  of  the  thickness 
of  his  lance  would  afford  a nsiderable  shade ; the  weight  of 
his  cimeter  would  have  crushed  any  body  which  migK^  not  have 
been  pierced  by  its  blade. 

The  fatigues  of  the  journey  were  nothing  to  him  who 
marched  on  to  glory  and  to  Dorathil-goase ; the  way  seemed  io 
be  strewed  with  flowers  . yet  now  was  Habib  in  the  midst  a 
deserts,  destitute  of  all  the  comforts  of  social  life,  and  exposed 
to  all  the  pains  of  thirst  and  hunger ; from  time  to  time,  chance 
offered  some  wild  fruits,  and  the  scanty  trickling  of  some  dis- 
tant springs  • these  little  supplies  were  sufficient  to  make  him 
forget  r 11  the  wants  and  inconveniences  he  suffered.  But  tht 
soldiers  who  accompanied  the  young  sultan  were  neither  lovers 
nor  heroes  ; two  months  of  toilsome  travels  began  to  tire  them  ; 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


351 

but  their  first  complaints  were  moderate.  By  a lucky  accident 
they  found  on  their  way  a place  inhabited  by  shepherds,  which 
afforded  them  enough  of  mil’k  to  fill  their  skins.  Habib  ex- 
pected that  this  unhoped-for  refreshment  would  renew  their 
courage,  and  dispel  their  ill-humor ; but  his  attendants,  thinking 
it  impossible  to  climb  the  summit  of  Mount  Caucasus,  without 
being  exposed  to  the  greatest  danger  of  perishing  by  hunger 
and  fatigue,  communicated  their  thoughts  to  the  young  sultan. 

“ I imagined,’’  said  he,  “ that  my  father  had  given  me  men 
to  accompany  me  * but  you  are  only  women  in  the  armor  of 
men  ; I will  not  abuse  the  weakness  of  your  sex.  However,  I 
must  observe  that  you  have  already  come  too  far  to  tur'i  back 
without  exposing  yourseL  to  great  danger  • but,  since  you  think 
the  dangers  before  us  still  more  formidable,  give  me  my  part 
of  the  treasure  which  my  father  put  into  your  hands.  Take 
witli  you  your  baggage  and  camels.  I can  lie  in  the  open  air. 
It  was  not  to  receive  your  assistance  that  I accepted  you  for 
my  companions.  I supposed  you  men  fond  of  glory,  and  des- 
tined to  attain  it.  I was  willing  to  share  my  own  glory  with  my 
brave  Arabian  brethren  This  is  a title  which  can  no  longer 
suit  you  ; let  us  part.  Go,  return  to  Salamis,  and  tell  him  that 
you  have  left  his  son  following  out  the  paths  to  glory,  armed 
with  vig^  r and  courage,  under  the  protection  of  the  great 
prophet,  and  animated  with  the  strongest  hopes  of  success.” 

The  firmness  of  this  language  astonished  the  young  sultan’s 
companions,  but  did  not  move  them  from  their  purpose.  They 
regarded  him  as  a mad  and  obstinate  youth,  disposed  to  sacri- 
fice all  that  was  valuable  to  vain  chimeras.  We  are  account- 
able for  our  lives,  said  they  among  themselves,  to  our  wives 
and  children  ; and  should-  be  mad  were  we  to  yield  to  the  ca- 
price of  a foolish  youth  who  runs  headlong  upon  death,  while  he 
is  seeking  this  Mount  Caucasus,  which  seems  to  fly  before  us ; 
our  harness  is  worn  out ; our  horses  are  dying ; we  shall  soon 
be  left  without  resource  amidst  the  deserts.  However,  added 
they,  if  we  return  without  him  to  Arabia,  Salamis  will  look 
upon  us  as  cowardly  deserters  from  his  son,  and  we  shall  not 
escape  his  vengeance.  If  this  Habib  should  die  here,  there  is 
no  lack  of  plants  to  embalm  him ; we  could  put  his  body  on 
one  of  our  camels,  and  carry  it  quietly  back  to  his  father. 

Cowardice  leads  to  ingratitude ; and  ungrateful  sentiments 
to  wicked  actions.  Those  perfidious  friends  soon  concurred  in 
the  base  design  of  murdering  their  young  master.  But  how 
should  they  surprise  his  vigilance  ? He  was  always  in  arms, 
and  always  ready  to  sell  his  life  at  a dear  rate,  if  any  should 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


35'^ 

attempt  to  ravish  it  from  him.  By  ni^ht  he  rested  on  his  buck- 
ler, and  the  least  noise  would  awake  him  ; his  valor  and  activity 
never  sunk  into  deep  sleep. 

Among  the  conspirators  was  one  who  viewed  the  criminal 
enterprise  with  abhorrence,  but  durst  not  speak  his  sentiments. 
He  feared  the  resentment  of  the  rest  so  much  the  more,  because 
he  had  murmured  as  well  as  they.  By  revealing  their  designs 
to  Habib  again,  he  would  expose  the  whole  troop  to  his  ven- 
geance, and  might  find  the  issue  fatal  to  himself.  If  the  hero 
were  victorious,  he  alone  would  remain  to  attend  him. 

In  this  uncertainty,  he  spoke  thus  to  his  companions : 
“Why,’’  said  he,  “would  you  expose  yourselves  to  the  danger 
of  a contest?  Habib  had  his  poniard  always  in  his  hand. 
Before  you  could  deprive  him  of  motion  even,  although  covered 
with  your  cuirasses,  his  sword  would  find  its  way  to  your  hearts. 
But  there  is  a surer  and  less  sanguinary  measure  which  you 
may  adopt  I know  an  herb  which  grows  in  these  places  ; its 
leaves  are  covered  with  a white  powder,  w^hich  operates  with 
greater  energy  than  opium.  I will  gather  some  plants  of  it ; 
and  as  I have  the  care  of  the  evening  provisions,  I can  find  a 
time  to  administer  to  him  this  specific ; and  then  you  may 
execute  your  purpose  without  danger.  If  we  can  fulfil  our 
intention  by  laying  him  asleep,  why  should  we  stain  our  hands 
with  his  blood  ? He  never  offended  any  of  us.  If  he  requires 
us  to  hazard  our  lives  in  pursuit  of  a chimerical  object,  he 
exposes  his  own  with  sufficient  gallantry  at  the  same  time.  His 
reason  is  disordered,  and  he  hurries  forward  to  his  destruction  ; 
but  cannot  we  provide  fo'r  our  own  safety,  without  attempting 
his  life  ? He  is  son  to  the  brave  Salamis,  in  whose  dominions 
our  wives  and  children  sleep  in  peace,  under  the  shadow  of 
whose  buckler  our  flocks  pasture,  in  security.  To  us  he  was 
always  a kind  father.  Is  there  one  among  us  with  whom  he 
has  not  shared  his  provisions  to  the  last  morsel  ? Let  us  be^ 
ware  then  of  shedding  innocent  blood  1 The  great  prophet  will 
one  day  demand  him  at  our  hands.  Let  us  leave  Habib  in 
these  deserts ; after  we  have  deprived  him  of  his  arms,  and  oi 
all  means  of  help  and  support,  we  need  not  fear  that  he  shall 
ever  come  to  tax  us  with  ingratitude.” 

The  conspirators  hearkened  to  Rabir’s  advice,  and  he  was 
employed  to  put  their  project  in  execution.  He  culled  some 
stalks  of  a plant  which  he  knew  to  be  a mortal  poison  \ he  was 
careful  to  prepare  it  in  such  a manner  that  death  would  not  be 
the  immediate  result  of  swallowing  it ; and  on  that  very  evening 
an  opportunity  offered  for  administering  it.  • 


ARABIAN  JVIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


353 


The  company  arrived  in  a plain  where  the  cool  water  of  a 
small  rill  nourished  on  its  sides  a quantity  of  fresh  and  luxuri- 
ant herbage.  Habib,  at  their  earnest  entreaty,  laid  down  to 
rest,  yielding  to  their  advice  rather  out  of  prudence  than 
because  he  had  any  need  of  repose.  He  retired  in  unsuspect- 
ing security  to  his  tent,  took  some  food,  and  with  it  swallowed 
a part  of  the  poison,  which  had  been  infused  into  a cup  of  milk. 
The  conspirators  took  advantage  of  the  deep  sleep  which  soon 
seized  upon  their  chief,  removed  from  him  everything  they  could, 
and  departed  in  all  haste,  leaving  young  Habib  nothing  but  his 
buckler  under  his  head,  his  cloak  upon  which  he  slept,  and  his 
poniard  which  he  had  stuck  in  his  girdle.  Thus  did  these 
twenty  knights,  chosen  by  Salamis  to  attend  his  son,  abandon 
the  young  hero  ; they  returned  towards  Arabia,  and  after  under- 
going many  fatigues,  arrived  within  sight  of  the  flags  which 
waved  from  the  emir’s  tents. 

That  moment  which  might  have  been  expected  to  be  to 
them  an  occasion  of  exulting  joy,  overwhelmed  them  with 
anxiety,  perplexity,  and  remorse.  How,”  said  they,  “ shall 
we  appear  before  Salamis  ? Or  how  tell  him  of  the  loss  of  his 
son  ? Rabir,  you  who  contrived  and  have  hitherto  so  well  man- 
aged the  scheme  by  which  we  rid  ourselves  of  the  youth,  help 
us  to  bring  it  to  a happy  issue.”  ‘‘You  are  mistaken  in  respect 
to  my  purpose,”  replied  he  ; “ when  I saw  you  resolved  to  shed 
the  blood  of  young  Habib,  I sought  to  divert  you  from  the 
crime,  by  pretending  to  assist  you  in  accomplishing  it.  With  this 
view  only  did  I become  your  accomplice.  I am  now,  however, 
tortured  with  remorse.  I cannot  invent  a lie  to  conceal  my 
treachery.  My  looks,  my  silence,  my  confusion,  will  all  tend 
to  betray  us.  Let  the  boldest  among  you  tell  the  fabricated 
tale  : I cannot.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  help  you.”  “Well,” 
replied  one  among  the  number,  “ I undertake  the  task.” 

The  caravan  arrived  in  the  camp  of  Salamis.  The  emir  and 
Amirala  came  eagerly  to  meet  the  company,  in  hopes  of  again 
seeing  their  son.  But  great  was  their  surprise,  when  they  saw 
tears  flow  from  every  eye.  He  who  had  undertaken  to  speak, 
advanced  before  the  rest,  and  thus  addressed  Salamis  : 

“ Powerful  emir,  we  return  in  sorrow  for  the  mournful  news 
we  must  tell.  But  why  should  we  seek  to  hide  what  you  cannot 
but  discover?  You  seek  your  son  ; but  Heaven  has  ravished 
him  from  your  hopes.  The  deserts  which  we  have  traversed 
are  full  of  venomous  serpents,  which  lie  concealed  among  the 
sands.  The  young  sultan  kneeling  down  one  evening  to  pray, 

2 


IS4 


AMASIAN  mGMTS^  ENTEJ^TAINMEArrS, 


spread  his  mantle  before  him  on  the  ground,  but  just  as  h€ 
kneeled  upon  it,  a serpent  sprung  up  and  stung  him  in  the  face. 
The  most  alarming  illness  instantly  followed,  and  death  shortly 
after  terminated  his  sufferings.  We  would  have  embalmed  the 
body,  and  brought  it  back  with  us,  but  it  was  so  infected  by  the 
poison  that  we  were  obliged  to  cover  it  up  hastily  in  the  sand, 
in  order  to  avoid  the  pestilential  contagion  with  which  it  threat- 
ened us."' 

At  this  news,  the  emir  rent  his  robe,  tore  his  beard,  and 
threw  dust  upon  his  body.  The  camp  resounded  with  the  cries 
©f  the  inconsolable  Amirala,  and  Salamis’s  sixty-six  tribes  put 
on  the  garb  of  mourning. 

In  the  mean  time,  what  did  young  Habib  ? Had  he  again 
opened  his  eyes  to  the  light  ? or  had  the  force  of  the  poison 
deprived  the  queen  of  the  Seven  Seas  of  her  sweetest  hope 

The  sun  appeared  in  all  his  glory  in  the  east,  through  a 
horizon  entirely  cleared  from  vapors,  and  darted  his  rays  on 
Habib’s  eyelids.  The  birds,  already  awake,  thrilled  their  notes 
upon  the  tops  of  the  trees  which  shaded  the  meadow  ; the  balmy 
fragrance  of  the  flowers  entered  the  nostrils  of  the  hero ; a 
gentle  breeze  waved  his  hair,  and  softly  fanned  his  cheek  ; all 
nature  awakening  from  the  stillness  and  repose  of  night  con- 
curred to  rouse  him,  and  the  power  of  the  liquid  which  had 
been  administered,  being  now  gone,  could  no  longer  chain  down 
his  senses.  He  opened  his  eyes,  and  being  charmed  with  the 
ravishing  sight  before  him,  imagined  himself  to  be  enjoying  the 
illusions  of  some  enchanting  dream. 

But  this  error  did  not  long  last.  He  arose,  and  recovered 
the  use  of  his  senses  and  his  memory.  He  sought  to  discover 
where  he  was,  but  all  around  -remained  silent.  He  lifted  up 
his  eyes,  and  saw  only  deserts  extending  in  the  distant  prospect 
before  him.  He  called  for  hf.s  companions,  his  arms,  and  his 
steed;  but  all  were  gone.  ‘‘Oh!  treason,”  cried  he,  “ thy 
knights  are  base  and  faithless ; they  dread  toil  and  death  ; to 
escape  from  danger  they  have  not  feared  to  expose  themselves 
to  infamy ; mourn,  hapless  Arabia  ! 

“ Hapless  Arabia  1 thy  glory  is  no  more  1 Tear  thy  hairs  ; 
cast  dust  upon  thine  head ; bathe  thy  face  with  tears ; cry, 
groan,  howl,  lament ; let  the  tigers  and  panthers  hear  with  ter- 
ror 1 thou  hast  given  birth  to  base  and  disloyal  men ! Ah  1 
who  on  earth  can  be  loyal,  since  an  Arabian  knight  ceases  to 
be  so  ? Men  I you  shall  be  forever  abhorred  ; the  great  pro- 
phet  has  despised  his  own  nation.  Ye  fertile  lands  of  our  coun- 
try, the  seed  shall  wither  or  change  its  nature  in  your  bocom  ; 


AXAB/AM  NlG/fTS^  EIVTEBTAIJVMEJVTS. 


355 

keaoeforth  shall  ye  bear  only  wild  fruits.  Ye  happy  flocks  in 
our  vales,  your  udders  shall  become  dry  ! 

Active  and  industrious  people  ! who  bear  rich  abundance, 
even  through  the  parched  plains  of  Hesebon  and  Philarioth ; 
who  said  to  the  desert,  thou  shalt  be  desert  no  more  ; see  the 
flags  of  your  tents  stream  through  the  air ; enjoy  your  success! 
And  you,  who  were  once  a happy  people,  descend  fiom  those 
strong  places  where  are  all  your  possessions,  disarm  yourselves 
of  those  bucklers  and  lances,  which  vainly  load  your  arms  ; pre- 
pare for  fight  or  slavery  ; the  darts  you  throw,  the  arrows  shot 
from  your  bows,  are  become  useless  reeds,  now  since  the  honor 
of  Arabia  is  no  more  1 Hold  out  your  hands  to  receive  the  con- 
queror’s fetters  ; where  virtue  resides  not,  liberty  can  no  longer 
subsist. 

Insult  no  more  the  effeminate  son  of  Egypt,  or  the  Syrian, 
who,  in  pursuit  of  riches,  commits  himself  to  the  inconstancy  of 
the  billows.  Remember  you  have  none  now  to  defend  you. 

‘‘  O Salamis  I O my  father  I when  you  shall  demand  back 
from  those  base  cowards  the  treasure  with  which  you  intrusted 
them  ; when  your  awful  voice  shall  say,  where  is  my  son  ? ah  ! 
how  will  their  souls  be  filled  with  terror  I The  bowels  of  the 
earth  shall  yawn  when  it  is  too  late,  and  swallow  them  up.  Ye 
coward  souls,  return  not  to  Arabia.  Afflict  not,  by  your  hate- 
ful presence,  those  whom  you  have  dishonored.  You  feared  toil, 
famine,  and  death,  if  you  should  follow  me ; but  may  toils  and 
famine  pursue  you  from  desert  to  desert  I 

‘‘  Thou  star  which  didst  preside  over  the  birth  of  Habib, 
and  hast  called  him  to  a high  destiny  through  thickest  dangers, 
cast  an  eye  now  upon  him.  He  despises  the  present  danger, 
and  marches  on  to  encounter  others,  .vlay  thine  influence  thus 
enable  him  to  brave  all  dangers,  and  sustain  him  in  his  career. 

Strength  of  the  Mussulmans  1 fall  at  his  feet  1 ” With 
these  words,  Habib  fell  on  his  knees  beside  the  spring,  per- 
formed his  ablution,  and  prayed  to  God  and  the  great  prophet 
with  more  fervor,  no  doubt,  but  with  equal  calmness,  as  if  be 
bad  been  in  his  father’s  tent. 

He  looked  towards  the  polar  star,  which  was  henceforward 
his  guide,  and  perceived  a steep  and  lofty  mountain,  which  he 
determined  to  ascend.  He  saw  beside  him  his  mantle  and 
buckler.  Dear  gifts  of  Heaven  ! ” cried  he,  “ you  have  been 
torn  out  of  the  hands  of  treachery  ; you  shall  be  my  defence  ! 
He  next  found  his  poniard  in  his  girdle  : Fear  not,  Dorathil- 
goase,”  said  he,  ‘‘your  knight  is  not  disarmed  ; enough  is  left 
him  wherewith  to  avenge  you  on  your  enemies. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


356 


B©for€  setting  out,  he  provided  himself  with  some  wild 
plants,  of  which  II  Haboul  had  taught  himVthe  use,  and  of 
which  the  roots  were  to  serve  him  for  food.  He  then  pro- 
ceeded on  his  journey  with  less  anxiety  than  when  he  had 
twenty  men  accompanying  him  with  reluctance.  His  bare  head 
bore  without  inconvenience  all  the  torrid  heat  of  the  sun.  Being 
no  less  agile  than  vigorous,  he  proceeded  with  great  speed  ; he 
stopped  only  to  pray  occasionally  ; and  from  time  to  time 
refreshed  himself  by  chewing  the  roots  which  he  had  gathered. 

Before  night  he  reached  the  mountain  which  he  had  seen 
before  him  in  the  morning.  He  there  saw  a deep  gully  full  of 
water ; but  so  deep  thc.t  it  could  not  be  reached  without  great 
trouble.  A tree  hung  over  this  cavern,  which  had  been  hoh 
lowed  out  by  the  force  of  torrents  from  the  mountains.  He 
cut  the  roots  of  another  tree  with  his  poniard,  joined  this  to  the 
former,  and  by  means  of  the  two  glided  softly  down  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  gully,  and  there  quenched  his  burning  thirst.  Yet 
so  much  was  he  affected  by  this  unlooked-for  favor  from  Heav- 
en, that  he  would  not  satisfy  his  necessity  till  he  had  first  per- 
formed his  ablution,  and  thanked  the  Author  of  nature,  and 
Mohammed  his  prophet.  After  this,  he  drank  and  came  up 
out  of  the  cavity. 

He  was  obliged  to  pass  the  night  here,  and  to  keep  on  his 
guard  against  wild  animals.  At  the  distance  of  a few  paces  he 
perceived  a rock  hollowed  out  by  the  waters.  He  soon  gath- 
ered a number  of  large  stones,  and  formed  a sort  of  cavern,  in 
which  he  could  sleep  safely.  He  then  spread  his  mantle,  laid  his 
buckler  under  his  head,  and  fell  asleep,  yet  not  without  first 
reflecting  on  his  situation. 

The  brave  man,’’  said  he  to  himself,  ‘‘  finds  everywhere 
a tent ; whereas  the  coward  knows  not  where  to  lay  his  head. 

Happy  he  who  learns  in  camps  to  sleep  while  the  trumpet 
sounds  ! even  thunder  will  not  disturb  his  rest. 

II  Haboul  and  my  father  taught  me  to  become  a man  ; and 
here  I am,  the  man  formed  by  my  father  and  II  Haboul. 

“ Salamis ! II  Haboul ! Dorathil-goase  ! behold  your  son, 
your  pupil,  your  lover.  He  rests  in  peace  upon  a rock,  confident 
that  he  shall  awake  to  glory. 

‘‘Ye  stars,  inimical  to  our  happiness!  you  oppose  the 
decrees  of  Heaven,  and  shall  one  day  be  driven  from  it ; I 
brave  you  under  the  vast  mass  which  shelters  me  ; a pavilion 
framed  by  the  hands  of  men  would  leave  me  exposed  to  your 
malignity.” 

Habib  having  uttered  these  sentiments,  fell  asleep.  The 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


357 


savage  inhabitants  of  the  forest  discovering  the  tracks  of  the 
traveller’s  footsteps,  came  to  prowl  around  the  cavern.  They 
uttered  dreadful  yells,  and  contended  for  their  prey,  before  they 
reached  him.  Love  might  have  held  the  lover  of  Dorathil-goase 
awake,  but  fear  could  not  disturb  him.  He  was  in  need  of 
repoS'e  ; and  sleep,  notwithstanding  the  frightful  noise  of  lions 
and  tigers,  kindly  strewed  her  poppies  over  him. 

At  length  the  sun  arose,  and  his  rays  penetrated  through  the 
chinks  of  the  cavern  in  which  young  Habib  lay.  He  awoke, 
came  out,  went  down  again  to  the  water,  washed  himself, 
prayed,  and  then  refreshing  himself  with  the  few  roots  he  had  in 
reserve,  resumed  his  mantle  and  buckler,  and  went  on  his  way. 

Hardly  had  he  reached  the  summit  of  one  mountain,  when 
another  still  more  inaccessible,  rose  before  him.  No  road  nor 
path  by  which  it  was  possible  to  climb  up,  appeared.  He 
might,  indeed,  ascend  by  leaping  and  scrambling  from  rock  to 
rock.  In  the  plain  he  had  to  travel  over  a heavy  and  scorch^ 
ing  sand  ; not  a tuft  of  grass  was  to  be  seen  even  on  those 
spots  which  were  best  sheltered  from  the  sun  ; not  a drop  of 
water ; nature  had  dried  all  up,  and  seemed  to  be  leading  the 
traveller  on  the  way  to  the  world  below. 

Habib,  worn  out  with  fatigue,  with  thirst,  and  hunger,  now 
found  all  his  provision  of  roots  exhausted.  He  quickened  his 
pace,  that  he  might  reach  the  mountain  before  him  ere  it  were 
night.  He  at  length  gained  it,  but  found  no  spring  nor  gully. 
He  hastily  reared  a hut  of  loose  stones,  within  which  he  shut 
himself  up,  overpowered  by  fatigue,  and  tortured  with  hunger. 
However,  he  tried  the  only  means  which  remained  by  which  he 
might  cool  his  tongue  and  palate.  Having  observed  the  dews 
fall  in  great  abundance  in  the  countries  through  which  he  was 
travelling,  he  spread  his  handkerchief  on  a rock  without  the 
cavern,  intending  to  squeeze  the  dew  from  it,  when  it  should 
have  imbibed  enough. 

After  taking  this  precaution,  which  saved  him  from  a greater 
evil,  he  performed  the  duties  of  a pious  Mussulman,  and  lay 
down  to  rest.  But  he  could  not  fall  asleep  without  communing 
with  himself. 

“ Speak,”  said  he  ; ‘‘  Habib,  answer ! When  thou  wast 
destined  to  pursue  glory  through  the  midst  of  dangers,  did  fate 
at  the  same  time  decree  that  thou  shouldst  find  means  of  sup- 
port by  the  way  ? 

“Thou  art  in  a desert.  Ask  Mohammed  why  he  has  not 
ordered  Moses  to  rain  honey  and  mamia  upon  thee,  as  they 
were  rained  upon  the  children  of  Abraham  ? 


358  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

‘‘  Born  to  fight,  thou  dost  fight ! Be  firm,  Habib.  Heaven 
is  for  thee  ; but  thou  must  also  act  for  thyself. 

The  applause  of  Salamis,  of  II  Haboul,  of  Amirala,  of 
heaven  itself,  the  heart  and  hand  of  Dorathil-goase,  the  throne 
of  the  seven  seas — these  are  the  prizes  reserved  for  ^hy  valor. 
Pass  firmly  through  the  fire ; thou  marchest  on  to  glory.’’ 

Habib  thus  recovering  patience  and  courage,  slept  in 
peace.  He  awaked  with  the  dawn  of  morn,  and  went  out  to 
take  up  his  handkerchief.  O Providence ! O goodness  ! The 
linen  which  he  wrung  into  the  hollow  of  a stone,  furnished  him 
with  a cup  of  blessing,  a most  delicious  beverage,  since  it  was 
seasoned  by  want. 

His  heart  overflowed  with  gratitude,  and,  as  he  pursued  his 
journey,  he  said,  ‘‘  He  who  gave  me  the  dew,  taught  me  how  to 
avail  myself  of  it.  Blessed  be  the  Author  of  the  universe  ! Ye 
pointed  rocks,  calcined  by  the  sun  at  your  Creator’s  word,  you 
once  poured  forth  gushing  springs  ! Thirst  and  hunger  flee 
before  the  Lord  of  Nature.  The  stores  of  abundance  are  opened 
at  his  pleasure.” 

The  traveller,  proceeding  on  his  way,  found  between  two 
rocks  a tiger’s  den.  The  female  was  there  with  her  young. 
At  the  sight  of  the  hero,  her  eyes  glared  with  keener  fires ; her 
hair  stood  on  end  ; she  lashed  the  air  with  her  tail,  and  the 
rocks  re-echoed  her  roar.  She  sprang  upon  our  hero  ; he  op- 
posed her  with  his  buckler,  and  drawing  his  poniard,  plunged 
it  with  a firm  and  vigorous  hand  into  the  animal’s  heart.  The 
tigress  fell ; and  the  hero,  to  avail  himself  of  the  adventure  to 
the  best  advantage,  made  a mantle  of  her  skin,  cut  away  such 
parts  of  her  body  as  he  could  use  for  food,  and  thanked 
Heaven  and  Mohammed  for  his  victory. 

It  was  late,  and  he,  therefore,  needed  to  think  of  a retreat 
for  the  night ; the  tiger’s  den  afforded  him  one  ready  prepared. 
He  killed  the  young  tigers,  arranged  things  in  the  most  com- 
modious manner  within,  and  shut  up  the  mouth  with  a large 
stone,  upon  which  he  laid  out  his  handkerchief  to  receive  the 
dew.  He  then  lay  down  upon  the  skin  of  the  tigress. 

After  the  dew  of  the  evening  was  fallen,  he  took  in  his  hand- 
kerchief, and  squeezed  its  contents  into  the  skull  of  the  tigress. 
Some  bits  of  her  flesh  dried  in  the  sun,  afforded  him  a few  de- 
licious morsels.  Having  thus  satisfied  his  wants,  he  lay  down 
to  rest  from  his  fatigue,  and  having  elevated  his  soul  with  the 
most  sublime  ideas,  fell  asleep. 

^‘The  blessings  of  the  Almighty,”  said  he,  ^‘are  diffused 
through  all  nature.  When  she  holds  them  back,  the  industrious 
man  can  force  them 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


359 


Thanks  to  thee,  O Mohammed  ! thou  hast  looked  with 
favor  on  young  Habib,  deserted  by  his  friends  and  countrymen  ! 
Thou  hast  given  him  for  a companion  one  of  thy  subject 
spirits. 

“ Everything  is  easy  to  me.  The  enemy  which  rose  up  be- 
fore me,  fell  by  a single  blow  ; her  skin  serves  me  for  a gar- 
ment ; her  flesh  feeds  me,  and  I drink  out  of  her  skull. 

“ Tremble,  ye  audacious  enemies  of  Dorathil-goase ; the 
knight  has  been  victorious,  even  unarmed.  He  marches  on  un- 
der the  protection  of  the  prophet  to  win  the  arms  of  Solomon.” 

Habib,  invigorated  with  new  strength  and  courage,  anticipated 
the  dawn  of  day,  and  proceeded  on  his  journey  with  greater 
activity  than  ever.  But  he  saw  not  yet  the  term  of  his  toils  ; 
new  obstacles  and  dangers  seemed  still  to  rise  before  him. 
Precipitous  hills  appeared  in  endless  succession  ; and  from  their 
summits  naught  was  to  be  seen  but  wide-spread  deserts.  In 
those  pathless  ways  which  man  had  never  trod,  where  no  living 
creature  was  to  be  seen  but  wild  beasts  which  fled  before  him, 
or  met  his  poniard,  and  monstrous  serpents,  which  he  was 
obliged  to  crush  with  broken  rocks,  courage  was  unnerved 
by  uncertainty,  and  the  natural  vigor  of  the  hero  began  to 
diminish. 

Upon  the  declivity  of  one  of  the  highest  hills  he  had  yet 
crossed,  when  he  had  no  food  remaining  but  a few  roots,  he 
looked  before  him,  and  saw  a sandy  plain  terminated  by  the 
horizon.  He  could  hope  for  no  relief  or  refreshment,  till  he 
should  have  crossed  that  wide  desert.  To  an  ordinary  man 
this  would  have  been  matter  for  despair ; but  Habib  thought 
only  how  he  might  best  overcome  the  new  difficulties  to  which 
he  here  saw  himself  exposed. 

He  could  not  travel  over  this  plain  by  day  without  being 
scorched  by  the  reflection  of  the  sun’s  rays,  and  losing  the  use 
of  his  feet  among  the  burning  sands ; nor  could  he  find  a drop 
of  water  to  quench  his  thirst.  By  night,  how  should  he  form  a 
place  of  retreat  amidst  burning  sands  } The  tigers  and  pan- 
thers which  prowl  in  the  hours  of  darkness  might  seize  him  un- 
aware, and  make  him  their  prey.  Habib  resolved  to  rest  by 
day,  and  by  night  to 'proceed  on  his  journey,  under  the  guid- 
ance of  the  bright  northern  star. 

At  the  sight  of  the  ocean  of  sand  which  opened  before  him 
while  the  sun  was  yet  in  his  meridian,  he  stopped,  and  by  means 
of  his  poniard,  disposed  his  buckler  so  as  to  shelter  his  head 
from  the  sun’s  rays,  and  then  lay  down  upon  his  tiger’s  skin, 
and  fell  asleep. 


360  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

The  night  no  sooner  spread  her  curtain,  than  he  arose  and 
went  on.  The  handkerchief  for  receiving  the  dew  was  bound 
about  his  neck,  and  floated  over  his  shoulders ; thus  he  could 
quench  his  thirst ; but  how  should  he  satisfy  his  hunger  ? Oniy 
two  of  the  roots  were  left,  and  he  knew  not  when  Providence 
would  afford  him  another  supply.  However,  he  went  cheerfully 
on ; and  he  proceeded  with  wonder  at  the  spectacle  which  the 
heavens  displayed  to  his  eyes. 

“ The  splendid  vault  of  heaven, ’’  said  he,  surrounds  all 
nature,  and  covers  even  the  naked  desert.  Is  there  a single 
spot  on  earth  where  man  will  not  find  himself  forced  to  admire 
the  wonders  of  his  Creator’s  power  ? Should  I go  down  into 
the  bowels  of  the  earth,  there  would  I find  gold  and  rubies,  and 
rivers  still  more  precious.  The  moon  •rises  in  the  horizon,  to 
supply  the  place  of  the  absent  sun.  The  stars,  dispensers  of 
the  dew,  have  already  advanced  before  her.  You  shall  be 
refreshed,  ye  barren  sands.  But  the  sun,  when  he  darts  his  rays 
on  you,  cannot  move  you.  Nothing  can  ever  fertilize  your 
barren  nature.  The  ungrateful  heart  is  like  the  sand  of  the 
desert.  The  favors  of  Heaven  are  showered  upon  it  without 
making  any  impression  which  may  show  them  to  have  been 
there. 

“ Courage,  Habib  ! thou  shalt  never  despise  what  has  been 
done  for  thee.  Behold  that  emotion  in  the  sky.  There  at  this 
very  instant,  is  thy  destiny  weighed.  Away  then  with  fear ! 
put  a steady  and  vigorous  foot  on  the  balance  ; thou  shalt  thus 
weight  it  down  to  thy  side.  See  how  calm  the  upper  region  ! 
There  are  thy  judges  : Mohammed  and  his  seven  prophets  are 
soliciting  for  thee ! 

Great  Prophet,  friend  of  God  ! a Mussulman  cries  to  thee 
in  the  desert  ; hear,  hear  his  voice  ! 

‘‘The  object  he  pursues  is  worthy  of  a hero.  Thou  wast 
on  earth  a model  for  heroes.  Glory  and  love  inflame  his  heart ! 
Thou  disdainest  none  who  bear  the  stamp  of  virtue.” 

Thus  Habib,  as  he  travelled,  forgot  his  wants  and  fatigues. 
As  he  looked  towards  the  desert  he  thought  he  discerned  a 
small  black  spot.  “ At  last,”  said  he,  “ this  plain  has  limits  ; 
what  I see  is  no  doubt  a mountain,  or  a collection  nf  vapors 
over  some  tract  of  inhabitable  country.  Thou  shal  see  men, 
Habib.  The  passions,  indeed,  arm  us  against  one  another  ; 
but  man  always  rejoices  at  the  sight  of  his  fellow.  These  have, 
perhaps,  never  seen  the  child  of  Providence.  1 shall  show  him 
to  them,  and  force  them  to  believe  in  Providence.  J will  not 
say  I must  have  gold,  silver,  flocks,  tents,  or  slav/  ; I will 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS.  361 

only  ask  a pitcher  of  water,  a handful  of  rice,  and  the  road  to 
Caucasus  ! 

Habib  in  vain  made  prodigious  efforts  to  reach  the  black 
spot.  It  still  appeared  at  the  same  distance.  He  was  tortured 
to  agony  by  hunger  and  thirst,  and  scorched  by  the  burning 
heat.  He  stopped  at  length,  and  lay  down.  His  imagination, 
filled  with  ideal  hopes,  soon  soothed  him  into  sleep.  The 
coolness  of  the  evening  awaked  him.  He  had  been  tossed  and 
agitated  with  painful  dreams.  A rivulet  seemed  to  run  back- 
wards to  its  source,  to  refuse  him  drink  ; abundance  of  sump- 
tuous meats  were  set  before  him,  but  before  he  could  taste  them 
they  were  removed  by  invisible  hands.  He  arose,  greatly 
fatigued,  and  hoped  that,  after  continuing  his  journey  through 
the  night,  by  morning  to  have  reached  the  object  towards  which 
his  eyes  were  constantly  directed.  He  exerted  all  his  strength, 
and  used  very  means  to  withstand  the  fatigue  which  exhausted 
him.  Strong  in  his  own  courage  solely,  he  yet  triumphed,  and 
rose  superior  to  himself. 

Day  at  length  returned  ; but  still  the  black  spot  appeared 
at  the  same  distance  as  before.  Habib’s  feet  were  uncovered, 
and  the  torrid  sand  scorched  them  ; one  cloud  of  dust  was  still 
blown  upon  him  after  another,  and  his  strength  was  entirely 
exhausted  ; ever}thing  seemed  to  fail  him,  and  he  became  al- 
most hopeless.  He  spread  the  tiger’s  skin  upon  the  sand,  fell 
down  with  his  knees  upon  it,  and  raising  his  hands,  thus  ad- 
dressed his  ardent  prayer  to  Heaven,  calling  out  in  a voice  of 
grief  mixed  with  confidence  : 

‘‘  I am  lost  in  an  ocean  of  sand,  the  limits  of  wlii  ’.1  I can- 
not perceive.  The  earth  flees  before  me  like  a cloud.  I have 
called  on  the  burning  sand  to  afford  me  water  for  ablution  ; it 
obeyed,  and  I am  purified.  The  Creator  will  bring  the  earth  to 
meet  me  and  supply  my  wants. 

‘‘  See,  my  feet  refuse  to  bear  me,  my  legs  stagger,  my  knees 
bend ; yet  I will  crawl,  even  on  my  belly,  to  the  place  whither 
I am  called  by  the  decrees  of  fate.  But  what  wilt  thou  say,  O 
great  Prophet,  to  see  a child  of  thy  tribe  crawl  like  a worm  ? ” 

While  he  thus  spoke,  and  his  eyes  were  still  fixed  on  the 
object  towards  which  he  seemed  to  be  vainly  travelling,  he 
observed  a point  parting  from  it,  and  moving  towards  him  through 
the  air ; it  sailed  for  some  time  through  the  firmament,  after 
which  it  came  down.  It  proved  to  be  a bird  of  monstrous  size. 
It  was  a roc.  It  alighted  within  fifty  paces  of  him,  and  there 
re<sted  for  some  time,  motionless. 

Habib  arose  and  J^d^i^'anced  towards  the  bird.  As  soon  as  he 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


362 

was  near  enough  to  be  heard  : ‘‘  Bird/^  said  he,  “ thou  arc  a 
creature  of  the  Lord  : and  I respect  thee  as  a production  of  his 
power.  If  thou  art  sent  to  the  assistance  of  an  unfortunate  but 
faithful  Mussulman,  abandoned  by  his  brethren,  I command 
thee,  in  the  name  of  God  and  his  prophet,  to  give  some  sign  by 
which  I may  know  that  thou  art  sent  by  them.” 

The  roc  immediately  extended  its  wings,  clapped  them  three 
times,  and  bowed  his  head  to  Habib.  The  young  sultan  went 
close  up  to  it,  and  perceived  a damask  cushion  suspended  be- 
tween its  feet  by  silken  cords  ; he  caught  hold  of  the  cords,  and 
seated  himself  upon  the  cushion.  No  sooner  was  he  thus 
placed,  than  the  bird  arose  and  flew  aloft  into  the  air. 

“ The  earth  which  seemed  to  flee  before  me,  now  recedes 
under  my  feet,”  said  Habib,  as  he  was  carried  upward  among 
the  clouds.  “Ye  frightful  piles  of  sand,  ye  are  no  more  than 
a grain  of  dust  to  my  eyes  ! Present  famine  and  death  to 
the  monsters  and  venomous  reptiles  which  inhabit  you ; you 
can  do  nothing  against  the  slave  of  God,  the  servant  of  the 
great  prophet  ; a path  is  opened  to  him  through  the  air. 
Thou  bird,  who  art  the  messenger  of  the  Most  High,  obey 
the  orders  of  a faithful  Mussulman.  Bear  him  to  Mount  Cau- 
casus, where  the  arms  of  the  sage  and  powerful  Solomon  are 
deposited. 

The  obedient  roc  bore  young  Habib  to  the  mountain  which 
was  the  destined  term  of  his  journey.  His  senses  were  con- 
founded by  the  rapidity  of  i,s  flight,  which  increased  his  weak- 
ness. II  Haboul  received  him,  and  bore  him  to  a place  where 
an  agreeable  warmth  soon  revived  him. 

When  with  the  return  of  his  strength  he  recovered  sense, 
his  lips  opened  with  expressions  of  gratitude.  “ What  ! is  it 
you,  my  dear  II  Haboul  ; you  have  not  forsaken  me  then  ! ” 

' “ The  orders  of  my  superiors,  O valiant  sultan,  have  brought 
you  hither,”  replied  the  genie.  “ A bird  of  the  great  Solomon’s 
has  borne  you  from  the  desert ; I am  appointed  to  receive  you  ; 
you  will  easily  judge  how  pleasant  I find  the  task.  I am  not 
unacquainted  with  the  treachery  to  which  you  have  been  ex- 
posed, or  the  distress  which  you  have  suffered  in  the  desert,  or 
the  afflictions  of  Salamis,  your  father.  I am  the  keeper  of  the 
treasures  of  Solomon  which  are  deposited  in  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  and  without  his  orders  dare  not  remove  ; otherwise,  I 
would  have  come  to  your  assistance.  It  is  the  will  of  Heaven 
that  virtue  be  proved  by  trials  ; and  you  have  undergone  a very 
severe  trial.  The  sufferings  of  Emir  Salamis  and  Amirala  are 
not  less  t-han  yours.  Crowns  of  glory  await  you  ; but  they  must 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


3^3 

be  taken  by  violence.  Such  is  the  lot  of  all  who  are  highly 
favored  among  the  sons  of  men.” 

While  he  spoke  thus,  a collation  was  set  upon  the  table 
consisting  of  such  meats  as  were  not  too  heavy  or  cloying  to 
a stomach  of  which  the  powers  were  worn  out  by  long  absti- 
nence. 

Habib  proceeded  to  refresh  himself ; but  was* surprised  at 
the  same  time  to  find  such  plenty,  even  of  delicacies,  amidst 
the  most  dreary  desert  in  nature. 

This  is  the  abode  of  enchantment,”  said  II  Haboul.  “ No 
resource  can  be  wanting  to  the  great  Solomon.  To  his  wisdom 
all  nature  is  subject.  Before  he  went  to  take  his  place  besicfe 
our  great  prophet,  he  buried  his  treasures  here,  to  hide  them 
from  the  daring  avarice  of  men,  who  seldom  find  enjoyment 
except  in  the  abuse  of  what  Providence  bestows.  Here  are  the 
arms  deposited  with  which  he  combated  rebellious  men  and 
spirits.  Illabousatrous,  grandfather  to  Dorathil-goase,  I,  and 
the  genii  of  the  race  of  Eblis,  felt  our  inferiority  ere  it  was  too 
late,  and  submitted  without  resistance.  Others  were  less  wise 
than  we,  and  are  shut  up  in  dungeons  not  far  distant.  The 
formidable  Abarikaff,  with  whom  you  are  to  contend,  with  a 
number  of  others,  have  made  their  escape  by  flight,  by  fraud, 
and  even  by  force. 

‘‘  Hitherto,  my  dear  Habib,  you  have  shown  unshrinking 
firmness,  and  displayed  your  strength  and  courage  in  combating 
wild  beasts.  Want  and  difficulties  have  not  slackened  your 
valor.  The  eye  that  watches  over  you  has  assisted  you  wTen 
you  could  do  nothing  for  yourself.  When  the  roc  alighted  before 
you,  you  had  yet  five  icy  mountains  to  pass,  before  you  could 
have  reached  the  summit  of  Caucasus,  which  you  Ifad  seen  at 
two  hundred  leagues  distance.  But  the  dangers  which* now  await 
you  are  of  a different  sort.  It  is  not  by  the  exertion  of  strength 
they  are  to  be  opposed  ; but  by  calm  fortitude  ; by  courage, 
which  no  terrors  can  move.  Thus  shall  you  penetrate  into  the 
treasury  of  the  great  Solomon,  and  bring  out  the  arms  which  no 
power  can  resist.  As  soon  as  your  body  shall  be  reinvigorated 
by  rest,  I will  speak  to  you  concerning  the  tasks  you  have  to 
fulfil,  and  the  means  to  be  employed.” 

After  this,  II  Haboul  made  his  pupil  enter  his  cavern,  and 
then  furnished  him  with  conveniences  for  rest  after  his  fatigues. 
Exhausted  as  Habib  w^as,  more  than  one  day  w^as  necessary  to 
restore  his  health,  and  fit  him  for  the  enterprise  in  which  he  was 
about  to  engage.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  authority  which  the 
genie  had  assumed  him  from  his  infancy,  it  might  have  bee» 


364  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

difficult  to  restrain  so  passionate  a lover.  But  the  sage  II  Haboul 
could  avail  himself  of  a power  which  long  habit  had  confirmed  ' 
and  he  accordingly  prevailed  with  his  pupil  to  expose  himself  to 
no  new  trials,  till  he  should  have  fully  recovered  his  strength. 
In  the  mean  time,  he  informed  him  what  was  to  be  done  in  ordei 
that  he  might  accomplish  the  purpose  of  his  journey  to  Mount 
Caucasus. 

“ My  dear  Habib,’’  said  he,  ‘‘  you  are  called  by  destiny  to  be 
the  avenger  of  Dorathil-goase,  and  to  punish  the  rebellion  of 
the  barbarous  Abarikaff.  The  dominions  of  that  princess  lie 
at  a vas't  distance.  Deserts  as  immense  as  those  you  have 
traversed,  divide  you  from  the  seas  which  surround  the  seven 
islands  , and  if  you  should  think  of  going  by  sea,  the  road  to 
the  shore  is  neither  short  nor  open.  The  only  way  is  through 
the  centre  of  the  earth.  But  what  care  and  prudence  are 
requisite,  that  you  may  travel  successfully  by  this  line  ! What 
energy  of  mind  must  you  possess,  my  dear  sultan,  if  you  can 
undertake  so  dangerous  a journey ! If  forty  brazen  gates, 
guarded  by  malevolent  genii  endowed  with  extraordinary  strength 
and  courage,  shall  stop  you  ; if  confusion  and  forgetfulness  sur- 
prise you  but  for  a moment,  you  will  be  exposed  to  the  greatest 
of  all  misfortunes ! 

‘‘  You  must  pass  through  all  the  rooms  in  which  Solomon's 
treasures  are  deposited.  The  first  of  these  contains  the  most 
precious  of  all,  those  very  arms  with  which  he  attained  that  high 
degree  of  power  which  astonished  the  world.  This  part  is  the 
least  strictly  guarded,  and  the  most  open  to  the  researches  of 
m-en.  Happy  would  they  be  if  they  could  content  themselves 
with  penetrating  thus  far,  and  acquiring  those  arms,  without  de- 
siring to  advance  farther. 

“ Solomon  surpassed  all  the  men  on  the  earth  in  knowledge. 
He  fixed  its  principles  and  illustrations  by  three  hundred  and 
sixty-six  hieroglyphics,  each  of  which  required  a day’s  applica- 
tion from  even  the  ablest  understanding,  before  its  mysterious 
sense  could  be  understood.  Would  you  take  time  to  penetrate 
Into  these  mysteries?”  “I  love  Dorathil-goase,”  said  Habib  3 
she  is  in  danger.  I must  have  the  arms  to  fight  with  Abarh 
kaff.  I shall  endeavor  to  acquire  this  knowledge  after  I'Tiave 
conquered  him.”  “It  is  possible  to  be  less  inexcusable  for 
such  a failure  in  you  ; but  since  Solomon  left  the  earth,  five 
hundred  knights  have  penetrated  into  these  deserts  ; all  l^ave 
neglected  the  studies  which  I propose  to  you,  and  gone  in  search 
of  the  treasures  deposited  in  the  cavities  of  this  immense  sub- 
terraneous recess.  They  woul-d,  first  of  all,  gratify  their  pas- 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TAmMENTS.  365 

sioBS,  and  not  one  of  them  has  returned ; they  have  all  failed 
through  ignorance.  Let  us,  however,  strive  to  save  you  from 
the  same  disgrace. 

“ I will  conduct  you  to  the  first  gate  ; at  your  feet  you  will 
see  a golden  key  ; pick  it  up,  and  open  the  gate  ; the  bolt  of 
the  lock  you  may  move  by  the  slightest  effort.  Be  careful  to 
shut  the  gate  behind  you,  so  gently  that  it  may  not  make  the 
ieast  noise. 

In  the  first  hall  you  will  find  a black  slave  of  gigantic  size. 
Forty  keys  of  the  other  apartments  through  which  you  are  to 
pass,  are  suspended  by  a chain  of  diamonds,  which  hangs  from 
his  left  hand.  At  sight  of  you  he  will  utter  a tremendous  yell, 
which  will  shake  the  vaults  of  the  subterranean  rooms,  and  will 
at  the  same  time  raise  over  your  head  an  enormous  cimeter. 
Preserve  your  soul  unmoved  with  fear ; look  upon  his  sabre ; 
you  know  I have  taught  you  to  read  the  talismanic  characters. 
Pronounce  aloud  the  words  written  upon  the  blade  ; commit 
them  to  memory,  so  that  whatever  trials  and  dangers  you  may 
be  exposed  to,  they  may  never  be  effaced.  Your  safety  depends 
upon  them. 

The  slave  will  then  become  subject  to  you.  You  must  dis- 
arm him,  and  take  from  him  the  keys,  and  the  cimeter  of  the 
great  Solomon ; but  you  will  look  in  vain  for  the  talisman ; it 
will  disappear  at  the  moment  you  pronounce  the  words  of  which 
it  consists.  You  will  then  open  the  first  of  the  forty  doors,  and 
shut  it  behind  you,  with  the  same  precautions  as  before.  There 
you  will  see  the  arms  of  Solomon  ; but  touch  not  his  casque,  his 
cuirass,  nor  his  buckler.  You  have  his  cimeter,  and  it  is  not 
with  steel  you  are  to  arm  yourself.  Solomon  was  victorious 
through  courage,  vigor,  patience,  and  prudence.  Four  statues, 
engraved  with  hieroglyphics,  will  exhibit  before  you  representa- 
tions of  these  four  virtues.  Reflect  long  upon  those  emblems, 
and  learn  to  decipher  their  meaning.  These  are  arms  which 
can  never  be  taken  from  you.  Examine  carefully  the  arms  of 
the  prophet,  as  well  as  the  cimeter  of  the  slave.  The  knowl- 
edge you  may  acquire  from  them  will  enable  you  to  vanquish 
all  enemies  that  may  rise  up  against  you  ; but  without  this,  and 
without  retaining  in  your  memory  the  characters  engraven  on 
the  sabre,  remember  that  you  have  in  your  hands  nothing  but  a 
piece  of  steel,  which  rust  and  the  teeth  of  time  will  consume 
away. 

“ When  you  have  stayed  in  the  first  apartment  as  long  as 
you  think  proper,  you  may  then  with  a bound  advance  over  the 
space  which  leads  to  the  second  hall.  Open  and  shut  this  door 


ARABIAN-  me ffTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


366 

with  the  same  care  as  before.  The  sabre  which  you  wear,  an6 
the  words  which  you  pronounce,  will  make  you  master  of  the 
slaves  which  guard  the  door,  whoever  they  are.  I shall  not  en- 
ter into  a particular  detail  of  the  immense  riches  which  you  will 
find  here.  In  the  eyes  of  Solomon,  gold  and  jewels  were  things 
of  small  price,  although  he  employed  them  in  constructing  works 
the  memory  of  which  shall  last  forever  ; yet  he  restored  them 
with  pleasure  to  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  from  which  his  knowt 
edge  had  enabled  him  to  extract  them.  He  thought  them  not 
necessary  to  the  happiness  of  men. 

“ If,  in  passing  through  these  forty  halls,  you  meet  with  any 
one  object  whose  nature  you  cannot  comprehend,  rub  the  blade 
of  your  cimeter,  repeat  the  words,  which  you  must  have  taken 
care  to  remember,  and  you  will  thus  discover  the  sense  of  the 
enigmas  presented  to  you. 

I have  no  need,  O virtuous  sultan,  to  warn  you  against 
avarice  or  indiscretion,  the  first  causes  of  the  loss  of  those 
knights  who  tried  this  perilous  adventure  before  you.  You 
have  learned  in  the  tents  of  Emir  Salamis,  in  what  true  riches 
and  real  powder  consist.  Gold  gave  no  lustre  to  his  pavilions, 
nor  was  he  forced  first  to  gather  and  then  to  scatter  it.  A for- 
midable army  marched  when  he  gave  the  signal.  A wise  choice 
of  things  useful,  and  contempt  of  superfluities,  constituted  his 
abundance. 

Curiosity  is  also  a fault  against  which  you  must  be  on 
your  guard.  Remember  that,  whatever  can  move  curiosity,  in 
the  path  on  which  you  are  entering,  must  be  extremely  dan- 
gerous to  the  man  who  is  unacquainted  with  the  three  hundred 
and  sixty-six  truths,  the  only  principles  of  the  wisdom  of 
Solomon. 

“ Above  all,  when  you  have  opened  the  fortieth  door,  within 
which  your  subterraneous  journey  terminates,  beware  of  look- 
ing curiously  at  what  you  shall  see.  A veil  of  silk,  and  golden 
characters  in  relief,  shall  meet  your  eyes.  Turn  from  them.  If 
you  read,  it  is  your  death-warrant,  and  will  be  instantly  exe- 
cuted ; but  lift  up  the  curtain,  and  you  will  be  struck  with  the 
most  beautiful  sight  that  can  be  beheld,  if  you  have  wisely  ob- 
served all  the  rules  of  prudence  which  I have  taught  you.  You 
will  see  the  first  of  the  seven  seas,  which  you  must  pass  before 
you  can  join  Dorathil-goase,  and  you  will  find  everything  ready 
to  conduct  you  thither.  But  if  you  fail  in  a single  point  of  the 
instructions  which  I have  given  you,  you  will  be  exposed  to  the 
most  dreadful  dangers.^’ 

“ It  is,  perhaps,  unfortunate  forme,’’  replied  Habib,  “that 


ARABIAN'  mar-TTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


367 

I am  a stranger  to  fear,  and  if  it  be  so,  I may  blame  you,  and 
Salamis,  and  Amirala.  You  taught  me  to  arm  my  breast 
against  every  sentiment  of  terror,  and,  perhaps,  to  depend  with 
too  much  confidence  on  my  own  strength.  But  I shall  strive 
io  practise  the  lessons  which  you  taught  me.” 

‘‘  March  on,  then,  valiant  hero,  under  the  eyes  of  the  great 
Solomon.  May  his  spirit  accompany  you.  I form  the  warm- 
est wishes  for  your  success,  and  in  it  shall  I find  the  recom- 
pense for  the  pains  which  I took  in  your  education.” 

II  Haboul  deposited  in  his  cavern  the  skin  of  the  tigress, 
the  buckler,  and  the  poniard,  which  the  sultan  bore.  He 
dressed  him  in  a light  and  simple  garb,  the  most  suitable  for 
the  enterprise  in  which  he  was  engaging.  The  genie  then 
took  him  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  through  a winding  alley 
of  the  cavern  to  the  first  brazen  door  of  which  they  perceived 
the  key. 

“ Take  this  key,”  said  his  governor.  P'orget  not,  \vhen 
you  shall  see  the  sabre  of  the  first  slave  raised  over  your  head, 
to  pronounce  aloud  the  talismanic  characters  inscribed  upon 
its  blade.  Read  them  with  such  care  that  you  may  never  forget 
them.  Repeat  them  upon  every  appearance  of  danger,  as 
well  within  as  without  the  immense  cavern  you  are  going  to 
traverse.  Open  and  shut  the  doors  with  the  greatest  caution  ; 
remember  that  in  this  recess  all  is  symbolical,  and  that  your 
actions  must  correspond.  You  will  not  forget  my  other  advices  ; 
but  I have  insisted  more  particularly  upon  the  most  important. 
Embrace  me,  my  dear  Habib  ! I return  whither  duty  calls  me.” 

II  Haboul  then  retired.  Habib  opened  and  shut  the  first  door 
softly.  He  perceived  a gigantic  black,  who,  when  he  saw  him, 
uttered  a cry  which  resounded  through  the  vaults  of  the  first 
grotto.  The  monster  raised  his  dreadful  cimeter.  Habib, 
watchful,  cast  his  eyes  upon  the  blade  and  pronounced  aloud 
the  ^ord,  power,  which  he  saw  written  upon  it  in  letters  of  gold. 
The  slav^  was  instantly  disarmed.  The  cimeter  and  keys  fell 
together  from  his  hand,  and  he  bowed  down  before  his  con- 
queror. 

The  young  sultan  seized  the  redoubtable  weapon,  advanced 
to  the  second  door,  and  it  opened  to  him.  Seven  different 
roads  appeared,  but  all  were  dark.  Uncertain  which  to  choose, 
he  pronounced  in  a loud  voice  the  enchanted  word.  A pale 
and  glimmering  light  then  became  visible  at  the  entrance,  upon 
the  fourth  road.  He  pursued  a light  down  a flight  of  fourteen 
hundred  and  ninety  steps.- 

He  came  then  to  the  tliird  door,  still  continuing  to  conduct 


368  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

himself  with  the  same  prudence.  He  was  received  by  two 
monsters,  who  were  half-women,  who  brandished  two  enormous 
grappling  hooks  of  iron,  to  seize  him.  He  pronounced  the 
word  power ; the  iron  became  soft,  and  the  monsters  fled. 

Habib  was  struck  with  a ravishing  sight.  A lustre  of  car- 
buncles illuminated  a round  hall,  the  roof  of  which  was  sup- 
ported by  columns  of  jasper.  The  armor  of  the  great  Solomon 
appeared  as  a trophy  in  the  centre ; the  phoenix  expanding  all 
her  feathers,  crowned  the  casque.  The  glance  of  the  cuirass 
and  the  buckler  was  brighter  than  the  eyes  of  man  could  bear  ; 
the  steel-pointed  lance  sparkled  like  fire.  There  was  no  cime- 
ter ; but  Habib  with  pleasure  observed  that  the  cimeter  he 
held  in  his  hand  corresponded  to  the  other  pieces  of  the  armor. 
Mysterious  characters  were  engraven  upon  all  those  weapons  ; 
of  these  he  tried  to  discover  the  sense,  and  read  on  the  cui- 
rass : ‘‘  Firmness  of  soul  is  the  best  cuirass  man  can  put  on.’^ 
He  proceeded,  and  found  on  the  other  parts  of  the  armor, 
“ Patience  is  his  buckler.  His  tongue  is  his  strongest  lance. 
Wisdom  must  be  his  casque.  Prudence  his  vizor.  Without 
valor,  his  arms  are  defenceless.  Without  constancy,  his  legs 
are  infirm.’’ 

O great  Solomon ! ” cried  the  hero,  “ the  phoenix  still 
proudly  expands  its  feathers  on  the  crest  of  your  helmet. 

“ Cover  yourselves  with  coats-of-rnail,  ye  feeble  warriors  of 
the  earth  ! The  prophet  of  the  Almighty  marched  on  to  vic- 
tory through  the  aid  of  virtue.” 

Habib  next  contemplated  the  three  hundred  and  sixty-six 
hieroglyphics  which  ornamented  the  walls  of  the  saloon.  One 
of  these  was  singularly  simple  in  its  nature,  yet  he  could  not 
comprehend  its  meaning.  Another  more  complicated  imme- 
ately  discovered  its  mysterious  import.  “ The  three  hundred 
and  sixty-six  hieroglyphics  explain  themselves,  yet  can  only  be 
explained  one  by  one.” 

“ Science,”  said  he,  “ thou  wast  made  for  my  heart ; I 
feel  it ; but  my  understanding  is  far  from  thee.  Who  shall 
give  me  the  eyes  of  the  lynx  to  penetrate  thy  mysteries  ? The 
lustre  with  which  thou  shinest  in  my  eyes  forces  me  to  turn 
them  downward. 

Habib ! march  on  to  thy  destiny ; a crown  of  glory  is 
promised  thee.  Wisdom  descends  from  the  Heaven  of 
heavens ; desire  it  still  more  and  more,  and  proceed  on  thy 
career  under  the  propitious  influence  of  thy  star  ! ” 

As  he  spoke  thus,  he  advanced  towards  the  door  by  which 
he  was  to  be  admitted  into  the  apartments  where  Solomon’s 


AI^ABIAJV  NIGHTS^  EN-TERTAIA^MENTS, 


309 

riches  were  deposited.  Descending  by  new  flights  of  steps, 
and  by  winding  paths,  he  came  to  the  different  doors,  which  he 
successively  opened  and  shut  without  noise.  Wherever  he 
advanced  he  met  with  monsters  that  strove  to  terrify  him,  by 
displaying  their  deformity,  and  by  their  cries  and  menaces.  Of 
one  the  head  resembled  a human  skull,  armed  with  horns,  and 
terminating  before  in  an  eagle’s  bill.  In  another  the  three 
forms  of  a lion,  a tiger,  and  an  elephant  were  monstrously 
blended  together.  A hydra  having  three  women's  heads,  with 
twisted  serpents  for  hair,  presented  itself  among  the  rest,  to 
terrify  our  hero. 

But  Habib,  armed  with  undaunted  courage,  and  faithful  to 
the  counsels  of  the  genie,  awed  with  a word  these  threatening 
phantoms,  and  looked  with  indifference  upon  the  heaps  of  gold 
and  diamonds,  and  the  broken  idols  which  lay  before  him. 
He  passed  rapidly  from  one  door  to  another,  where  the 
objects  which  he  saw  exhibited  no  sign  symbolical  of  the 
prophet’s  victories.  He  stopped,  however,  at  one  place. 

It  was  an  immense  hall,  around  which  an  infinite  number 
of  beings  in  human  form  were  seated.  They  appeared  to  be 
listening  to  the  most  venerable  person  in  the  company,  who 
was  seated  upon  an  elevated  seat,  before  a reading-desk,  and 
read  aloud.  When  Habib  entered,  the  whole  assembly  arose 
and  bowed  to  the  hero.  The  reader  paused  out  of  respect  to 
him,  and  the  sultan,  addressing  himself  to  that  venerable  per- 
son, spoke  as  follows : 

“ If  you  are  at  liberty  to  inform  me,  tell  me  who  you  are,  and 
what  it  is  you  are  reading  ? ” “ I am  a genie,  slave  to  Solomon,” 
said  the  reader  ; “ my  task  is  to  instruct  my  brethren,  whom  you 
see  here ; they  will  be  set  at  liberty  when  they  shall  have  acquired 
all  the  knowledge  necessary  for  the  direction  of  their  conduct. 
The  book  I read  is  the  Alcoran.  Alas  ! I have  explained  it 
to  them  for  these  several  centuries,  and  yet  there  are  still  an 
eighth  part  of  my  hearers  who  understand  not  even  the  first 
line  ! Proceed,  young  Mussulman  ; you  have  nothing  to  learn 
either  from  them  or  me;  follow  your  destiny,  and  continue  to 
be  as  circumspect  as  you  have  been.” 

Habib  left  this  school,  reflecting  with  himself  how  difficult 
it  IS  to  understand  the  word  of  God  when  we  are  not  disposed 
to  listen  to  it.  He  blessed  God  and  his  Prophet  that  he 
had  been  instructed  in  his  earliest  years  in  the  truths  of  the 
Alcoran. 

The  young  sultan  had  now  opened  and  shut  nine-and-thirty 
doors.  He  had  been  five  days  in  passing  those  subterranean 


370 


ARABlAJSr  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


recesses : places  where  the  sun  comes  not  to  indicate  the  lapst 
of  time  ; where  ages  after  ages  roll  on  unperceived  ; places 
inhabited  by  those  beneficent  spirits  who  are  ever  actively  em- 
ployed in  promoting  the  happiness  of  the  faithful,  and  are  not 
subject  to  the  malignant  power  of  their  neighbors. 

Habib  passed  not  into  the  dungeons  where  the  wicked  genii 
lived,  under  a law  in  its  nature  and  tendency  directly  opposite. 
Over  them  the  scythe  of  time  moves  with  a motion  which  can- 
not be  calculated.  All  the  vices  of  the  world  spring  up  and 
thrive  in  their  perverse  souls  ; and  they  are  subjected  to  the 
tyranny  of  every  lawless  appetite  and  passion. 

Our  hero  had  not  counted  the  number  of  the  doors  through 
which  he  had  passed.  Still  as  a new  one  obstructed  his  pro- 
gress, its  key  sprung  from  the  bunch  in  his  hand,  and  sponta- 
neous y placed  itself  in  the  lock.  At  last  he  stood  before  the 
fortieth  door.  It  opened,  and  he  perceived  the  fatal  silken  cur- 
tain of  which  the  genie  had  spoken.  He  hastily  drew  aside  the 
curtain,  and  saw  the  sea  upon  which  he  was  to  embark,  in  order 
to  reach  the  end  of  his  toils.  He  spiang  hastily  forward,  but 
at  the  same  instant  the  fortieth  gate,  which  he  had  forgotten  to 
shut,  fell  back  upon  its  hinges  with  a dreadful  noise,  at  which 
Caucasus  trembled  to  its  foundation. 

All  the  doors  through  which  he  had  passed,  and  all  those  of 
tlvi  dungeons  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  were  overturned  and 
broken,  with  a noise  which  seemed  to  shake  the  arch  of  heaven. 
Legions  of  spirits,  in  the  most  hideous  forms,  issued  forth  and 
attacked  Habib.  The  most  frightful  signs,  the  most  terrifying 
a- arms,  accompanied  their  threats  and  gestures. 

Habib  turned  to  oppose  them.  Had  he  been  susceptible 
of  fear,  he  must  have  been  terrified.  But  the  extraordinary  na- 
ture of  the  danger  rendered  him  firm  and  cool.  He  recollected 
the  formidable  word,  and  displaying  at  the  same  time  the  sword 
of  Solomon,  pronounced  it  with  a firm  voice.  The  affrighted 
crowd  instantly  retired  with  precipitation ; the  door  which 
opened  to  the  sea  was  violently  shut  ; but  all  the  malevolent 
genii  did  not  return  into  their  dark  abodes. 

Part  of  them  plunged  into  the  sea.  Its  waters  were  raised 
with  fury  from  the  deep  abyss ; the  billows  rose  mountain-high 
in  the  air ; vast  masses  of  vapor  were  spread  through  the  sky. 
The  day  disappeared,  the  sun  was  darkened  ; thunders  began 
to  roar  \ the  accumulating  clouds  struggled  against  the  raging 
winds,  and  the  billows  of  the  sea  dashing  against  one  another, 
exhibited  a black  and  liquid  surface,  which  the  flashes  of  light 
ning  seemed  to  tinge  with  blood. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


371 


The  tempest  burst  from  all  quarters.  The  imprisoned  winds 
and  the  thunder  broke  through  the  passages  that  were  opened 
to  them.  The  sea  fled  before  them  to  its  deep  abysses.  The 
dashing  of  the  waves,  and  the  blustering  of  the  winds,  shook 
the  very  foundation  of  the  rocks  ; while  the  blaze  of  the  light- 
ning, and  the  doubling  peals  of  the  thunder,  seemed  to  threaten 
this  part  of  the  globe  with  the  return  of  the  primitive  confusion 
of  chaos. 

This  tumult  and  confusion  of  the  elements  was  not  wholly 
natural.  II  Haboul,  the  guardian  of  the  prophet’s  armor  and 
treasure,  had,  at  the  moment  that  the  rebel  genii  made  their 
escape,  left  his  usual  post  at  the  head  of  the  genii  under  his 
command  ; and  the  earth,  the  sea,  and  the  air  were  become 
each  the  theatre  of  a furious  and  desperate  combat. 

Habib,  struck  with  the  disorder  which  he  beheld  around 
him,  could  impute  the  cause  to  nothing  but  his  own  imprudence. 
When  he  had  opened  the  fatal  curtain,  both  heaven  and  earth 
appeared  with  a smiling  aspect,  and  the  sea  was  calm.  He 
prostrated  himself  with  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  cried : 

“ Where  is  he  who  thinks  himself  wise  ? Let  him  look  upon 
me,  and  tremble  at  his  presumption.  Where  is  he  who  always 
acts  prudently  ? Let  him  come  hither  and  confound  me.  My 
eyes  have  had  a glimpse  of  happiness,  but  it  has  vanished  from 
my  view.  I had  the  key  of  my  fate,  but  it  has  dropped  from 
my  hands.  Dorathil-goase  ! your  lover  loves  you  with  a passion 
which  deprives  him  of  reason.  He  is  unworthy  of  you.  In 
my  present  situation  how  shall  I invoke  to  my  aid  the  powers 
of  the  earth  ? If  I should  seek  to  move  Heaven,  I hear  a voice 
crying  from  the  depths  of  my  soul : Give  an  accou7it  of  the  be7ie- 
fits  which  Heaven  has  bestowed.  The  Arabians  of  our  tribe  have 
betrayed  me ; but  can  I reproach  them  when  I have  betrayed 
myself  ? Salamis,  II  Haboul,  Amirala,  you  have  sown  on  an 
unprofitable  soil.  How  shall  you  reap  the  fruit  ? I shall  weep 
like  the  timid  soul.  Confusion  must  cover  my  eyes  when  I have 
laid  aside  the  bandage  of  pride.  O great  Prophet ! a criminal 
dares  not  lift  up  his  voice  to  Heaven.  But  thou  didst  vouch- 
safe thy  favor  in  a signal  manner  to  Habib  when  he  merited 
nothing  at  thy  hand  ; but  now,  when  he  confesses  his  faults, 
look  down  in  mercy  and  forgive  him.” 

Habib,  having  uttered  his  prayer,  arose  and  looked  around 
on  the  scene  where  he  now  found  himself.  He  was  on  the 
height  of  a ledge  of  rocks,  the  foot  cf  which  was  violently 
lashed  by  the  breaking  waves  of  the  ocean.  The  mountain 
was  precipitous  and  insulated  all  around,  and  seemed  i 1 a man 


372 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


ner  detached  from  the  rest  of  the  world.  He  proceeded  for  a 
mile,  by  scrambling  and  leaping  from  rock  to  rock  ; the  light  of 
the  sun  was  intercepted  by  thick  clouds  ; the  flashes  of  light- 
ning which  broke  from  these  gave  to  all  surrounding  objects  a 
fiery  and  cupreous  glare  ; an  infectious  saline  vapor  composed 
the  atmosphere  in  which  he  breathed.  The  day  which  illumi- 
nated these  terrifying  appearances  was  formed  to  augment  the 
horror  of  the  scene.  Habib  stood  and  contemplated  for  some 
time  the  disorder  which  the  warring  elements  presented  before 
him.  Then  looking  on  his  cimeter,  he  saw  the  talismanic  char- 
acters shine  with  extraordinary  lustre.  II  Haboul  had  formerly 
taught  him  that  Providence  never  performed  a miracle  unless 
for  some  very  important  cause.  The  new  glare  of  the  talisman, 
he  hence  concluded,  must  be  intended  fo  prompt  him  who  bore 
it  to  call  its  virtues  into  exertion,  in  order  to  still  the  raging 
elements.  He  therefore  drew  the  mysterious  blade,  and  strik- 
ing the  air  thrice,  cried,  ‘‘  Powers  of  fire,  of  earth,  of  air,  of  the 
waters  ! I command  you  to  return  to  your  wonted  order,  other- 
wise I will  reduce  you  to  a dull  inaction.’' 

That  instant  a blaze  of  light  was  emitted  from  the  cimeter, 
before  which  all  other  lightning  was  pale  ; a confused  noise 
was  heard  like  that  of  hills  of  sand  sinking  down  one  upon 
another.  The  sea  grew  calm.  The  tempest  ceased.  Gentle 
breezes  of  the  west  wind  succeeded  to  the  boisterous  blasts 
from  the  north ; and  the  bright  sictrx)f  day  gilded  with  his  rays 
the  stupendous  rock  on  whose  summit  the  hero  stood. 

At  so  astonishing  a change  upon  the  face  of  nature,  the  sultan 
could  not  avoid  feeling  a degree  of  terror  with  his  joy.  “What 
power,”  cried  he,  “ has  deigned  to  employ  my  weak  hands, 
guilty  as  I am,  thus  to  still  the  rage  of  nature  ? How  are  the 
elements  subject  to  my  voice  ? Creator  of  the  world  ! thou 
hast  not  turned  away  thy  face  from  me.  Great  prophet ! Ha- 
bib is  still  in  thine  eyes  a son  of  the  tribe  of  Ben-Hilac.” 

As  he  ceased  speaking,  with  his  face  prostrate  to  the  earth, 
he  heard  a motion  near  his  side,  which  prompted  him  to  raise 
his  head ; and  II  Haboul  stood  before  him. 

“ O my  protector  ! my  master ! you,  no  doubt,  are  the  au- 
thor of  the  miracles  which  I have  witnessed.”  “ No,  my  dear 
Habib,”  replied  the  genie,  “ they  are  wrought  by  the  influence 
of  the  great  Solomon,  whose  instrument  you  have  been.  You 
know  not  what  disorders  your  negligence  and  forgetfulness  of 
my  counsels  have  produced.  The  mischief  you  have  done 
could  hardly  have  been  repaired  without  your  exertions. 

“ Instead  of  shutting  the  fortieth  door  after  you,  you  hur- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  TA /NAIRN 7B. 


373 


rkd  to  the  sea-shore.  The  gates  of  the  dungeons  which  con- 
fined the  rebel  spirits,  instantly  burst  open,  and  the  prisoners 
swarmed  forth.  You  yourself  would  have  been  the  first  victim 
of  their  rage,  had  you  not  employed  the  talisman  to  whose  name 
they  were  once  subject.  Terrified  at  the  sight  of  it,  they 
ascended  into  the  air,  and  raised  the  storm  which  you  have 
witnessed. 

I followed  them  at  the  head  of  the  spirits  under  my  com- 
mand. We  began  a violent  combat,  the  effects  of  which  you 
also  witnessed,  without  understanding-  them.  You  then  em- 
ployed the  only  means  which  remained  in  your  power.  Their 
success  was  certain  in  the  hands  of  a faithful  Mussulman. 
The  arms  instantly  dropped  from  the  hands  of  the  rebel 
genii.  They  were  seized  with  a sudden  stupor,  and  sunk  down 
like  so  many  lumps  of  dead  earth.  My  warriors  fettered 
them,  and  conveyed  them  back  to  their  dungeons.  But 
had  it  not  been  for  your  aid,  the  contest  had  not  yet  been 
terminated. 

“ I will  not  reproach  you  for  an  act  of  imprudence  which 
sets  your  success  at  a distance,  and  subjects  you  to  unspeakable 
toils  before  you  can  accomplish  it.  It  is  not  so  much  your  fault 
as  love’s,  and  your  passion  is  owing  to  the  influence  of  your 
star. 

“ Recollect  the  knowledge  you  acquired  when  you  surveyed 
the  treasures  of  the  great  Solomon.  You  will  find  everywhere, 
and  in  yourself,  arms  to  insure  the  success  of  the  true  knight. 
He  knows  that  these  are  more  at  his  command  in  adversity 
than  in  happier  situations. 

The  advices  I now  give  you  are  the  last  you  shall  receive 
from  me.  In  the  career  upon  which  you  are  entered,  success 
would  be  dishonorable  if  obtained  by  trivial  means.  Only  from 
Heaven  can  one  receive  at  all  times  without  shame ; and  to 
Heaven  may  one  always  confidently  apply,  when  one’s  views 
are  wise  and  honorable,  and  when  insolent  triumph  is  not  the 
object  sought.  Adieu,  dear  Habib  ; I leave  you  exposed  to'wants 
of  all  sorts,  and  ready  to  be  hurried  into  new  adventures  ; but 
I believe  your  courage  equal  to  all.” 

II  Haboul  left  Habib  on  a rock.  The  sea  had  receded,  and 
its  waves  no  longer  lashed  the  foot  of  the  rock  upon  which  he 
stood.  He  might  descend  from  one  rock  to  another  ; but  how 
should  he  shelter  himself  through  the  night  ? or  where  find 
relief  from  the  cravings  of  thirst  and  hunger  ? This  was  the 
hero’s  situation  when  his  guardian  genie  disappeared. 

A soul  of  less  firmness  and  elevation  than  his  would  here 


374 


ARABIAAT  mCHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


have  been  abandoned  to  anxiety  and  despair.  But  the  cimeter 
of  Solomon  still  hung  by  his  side,  a terror  to  the  enemies  of  the 
Most  High.  He  had  no  enemies  to  dread  but  himself.  My 
error,”  said  he,  “ had  laid  me  low,  but  the  hand  of  God  raises 
me  up  again.  Caucasus,  boast  of  thy  stupendous  bulk,  or  of 
the  hardness  of  the  mass  of  which  thou  art  composed  ; God 
willed  it,  and  I have  penetrated  through  thy  bowels.  Earth, 
thou  appearest  behind  me  as  a lonely  wall ; thou  seemest  to  be 
boundless,  and  offerest  only  a dark  abyss  of  waters  to  my  view. 
But  Hope  emerges  above  thy  waters,  and  shows  herself  through 
the  vapors  which  cover  thee.” 

And,  indeed,  Habib  at  this  time  saw  land  without  suspecting 
so  much  ; it  was  the  nearest  point  of  the  White  Isle,  which 
formed  a part  of  the  dominions  of  Dorathil-goase.  Night, 
however,  came  on ; and  to  avoid  suffering  from  its  cold,  he  lay 
down  between  three  rocks,  which  served  to  shelter  him  from 
the  bleak  winds.  At  daybreak  the  young  Mussulman  performed 
his  ablutions  and  prayers.  He  ran  over  the  adjoining  land  in 
search  of  some  resources  for  his  subsistence.  The  caverns 
were  full  of  shell-fish,  and  among  them  were  some  broken  re- 
mains of  roots  and  herbs  brought  hither  by  the  billows.  He 
with  these  satisfied  his  present  wants,  waiting  till  destiny  should 
call  him  to  act  in  a more  important  scene. 

One  morning,  when  Habib  leaned  on  the  rock  nearest  the 
sea,  and  looked  out  to  see  if  any  vessels  were  approaching,  he 
happened  to  fall  into  a slight  slumber,  upon  which  three 
daughters  of  the  sea  suddenly  raised  their  heads  above  the  water. 

He  sle.eps,  sisters,”  said  one  of  the  nymphs  to  the  other  two ; 
“ let  us  approach  and  strive  to  learn  who  he  is.  You  will  enjoy 
a pleasure  in  seeing  him  ; he  is  as  beautiful  as  the  rising  day. 
Yesterday,  I saw  him  stooping  over  the  water  to  wash;  hi; 
cheeks  communicated  a lovely  color  to  the  water ; you  would 
have  said  that  the  bottom  of  the  sea  was  bespread  with  roses. 
But  that  we  may  have  a better  view  of  him,  let  us  beware  of 
making  a noise  to  awake  him.  Give  me  your  hands  ; and  let  us 
turn  round  till  he  be  sound  asleep.” 

When  the  daughters  of  the  sea  saw  that  their  enchantments 
had  taken  effect,  they  came  out  of  the  water.  On  their  shoul- 
ders they  displayed  their  fair  hair  bound  up  in  tresses,  waving 
gracefully  in  the  breeze.  Robes  of  stuff,  formed  of  sea-plants, 
and  fine  as  gauze,  hung  down  from  their  shoulders,  upon  their 
loins ; pearled  buskins  adorned  their  legs ; on  their  arms  were 
coral  bracelets ; their  whole  appearance  was  in  the  highest 
degree  lovely  and  captivating.  They  all  three  surveyed  their 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


375 


own  charms  in  the  water,  and  being  pleased  with  their  dress 
and  appearance,  approached  and  stood  around  the  knig' t. 
“What  a lovely  young  man  !”  said  the  eldest  of  the  three; 
“can  he  be  a knight  ? “He  is  undoubtedly  so,”  said  the 
youngest.  “ View  his  sabre,  but  touch  it  not ; for  I put  my 
hand  to  the  hilt,  and  it  burnt  me.” 

“ Ilzaide,”  said  the  eldest  to  her  youngest  sister,  “we  must 
know  who  he  is,  and  whence  he  comes.  He  may  have  been 
brought  here  in  a storm.  However,  nothing  about  him  bespeaks 
of  his  having  been  shipwrecked.  Bring  me  one  of  those  large 
shells  on  the  beach,  and  fill  it  with  water.” 

Ilzaide  obeyed.  The  shell  was  brought.  The  eldest  of  the 
daughters  of  the  sea  then  gently  pulled  one  of  Habib’s  hairs. 
“ Here  is  a hair,”  said  she,  “ which  shall  tell  us  all  the  secrets 
of  the  head  on  which  it  grew.”  She  then  threw  it  into  the 
water  in  the  shell,  and  walked  around  the  shell  with  a circular 
movement.  “ Shake  the  water  well,”  said  she  to  her  sisters, 
“it  will  become  turbid,  and  so  much  the  better  shall  I see.” 
“ Look  there,  sister,”  said  Ilzaide,  “ I believe  the  hair  is  melted. 
The  water  is  now  covered  like  the  firmament ; the  star  appears 
in  it,  and  the  bottom  of  the  shell  is  no  more  to  be  seen.”  “ So 
much  the  better,”  returned  the  eldest ; “ after  night,  comes  the 
day.  See,  here  is  a country  covered  with  wood,  under  the 
shades  of  which  are  flocks  feeding.  Stoop  down,  and  you  will 
see  the  whole  scene.  There  are  tents  ; — he  was  born  in 
Arabia.” 

“ In  Arabia,  sisters  ? ” said  that  one  of  the  three  who  had  not 
yet  spoken.  “ Thence  does  our  queen,  Dorathil-goase,  expect 
her  deliverer.  Happy  should  we  be  to  have  the  hero  here. 
Soon  would  he  deliver  us  from  Racachik  and  all  his  race  ; but 
the  water  says  nothing  of  him.  Shake  it  again,  that  we  may 
know  whence  he  has  come.” 

“Ah!  sister,”  said  Ilzaide,  “it  becomes  black,  black!” 
“ Good,”  returned  the  eldest,  “ the  truth  will  come  out  so  much 
the  clearer.  Shake  it  with  a brisker  motion.”  ‘ Sister,”  said 
the  second,  “ see,  it  grows  white.  Oh  ! what  a sad  sight  it  ex- 
hibits.” “ Hhese  are  mountains,  sands,  and  deserts,”  added 
the  eldest.  “ He  has  travelled  over  all  these  alone,  for  he 
appears  by  himself,  and  without  any  companion.  He  must  be 
strong  and  valiant,  then.  Shake,  shake  the  water  again,  for  the 
way  I see  him  take  could  not  bring  him  hither.  Oh  ! heavens,’* 
cried  she,  “ I see  the  bowels  of  the  earth.  Enough,  my  sisters. 
This  water  cannot  tell  us  the  secrets  of  his  heart,  but  I know 
more  natural  means  by  which  we  may  come  to  the  knowledge 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


376 

of  them.  It  is  a matter  of  the  greatest  concern  to  us,  you  Know, 
to  be  acquainted  with  them.  We  are  informed  that  we  are  to 
be  delivered  from  our  evils,  and  from  our  tyrants,  by  a man 
who  is  a perfect  lover,  and  yet  not  in  love  with  any  of  us.’’ 
‘‘Certainly,  a knight,  be  he  who  he  may,”  replied  Ilzaide, 
smartly,  “ cannot  be  our  lover  without  having  ever  seen  us.” 
“ But  when  he  opens  his  eyes,”  replied  the  eldest,  “ he  cannot 
but  see  us.  Take  you  care,  sister,  not  to  meet  his  eyes  with 
yours.  There  is  a magic  in  them  of  greater  power  than  what 
we  have  in  ours  ; and  were  he  to  fall  in  love  with  you,  we  should 
be  undone,  and  our  hopes  disappointed.”  “ He  will  fall  in  love 
with  you,  sister,  rather  than  with  me,”  replied  Ilzaide.  “ May 
Solomon  keep  him  from  falling  in  love  with  any  of  us,”  added 
the  eldest ; “yet  there  seems  to  be  a great  danger  of  it.  How- 
ever, as  we  must  gain  his  good  graces  that  we  may  have  a right 
to  his  services,  let  us  think  what  we  may  do  for  this  purpose. 

“ In  the  first  place,  I see  that  he  is  in  want  of  every  con- 
venience. He  has  found  nothing  for  sustenance  but  some 
marine  plants  and  shell-fish,  which  he  has  eaten  raw.  Let  us 
prepare  for  him  against  he  awakes  such  a repast  as  these  places 
can  afford.  You,  Ilzaide,  are  nimbler  than  the  mountain  goat ; 
go,  bring  some  of  its  milk  in  a shell,  which  you  may  cover, 
above  and  below,  with  aromatic  herbs.  In  the  cavities  of  the 
mountain  you  will  find  fruits  and  flowers.  Choose  what  ap- 
pears the  most  to  the  sight,  taste,  and  smell.  My  sister  and  I 
will  take  care  for  the  rest,  and  we  shall  thus  offer  as  handsome 
a collation  as  can  be  prepared  in  this  desert  place.” 

Hardly  had  Ilzaide  gone  to  perform  her  task,  when  the 
eldest  sister  explained  her  intention  to  the  second.  “ I know 
of  branches  of  coral,”  said  she,  “ at  the  bottom  of  the  sea, 
two  of  which  would  load  a camel.  Let  us  go  find  some  of 
them.  We  will  place  four  of  them  in  a square,  cover  it  with 
stuff  like  what  we  wear,  and  thus  form  a pavilion  ; then  gather 
moss  and  dry  it  for  a sofa ; form  a table  of  stones,  and  cover 
it  with  a tissue  which  has  never  been  dyed.  We  will  then  pro- 
vide some  of  the  best  fish  the  sea  affords  ; dry  and  roast  them 
in  the  sun.  The  bird’s  eggs  which  I shall  bring,  and  the  fruits 
and  milk  with  which  our  sister  will  furnish  us,  will  complete 
the  feast.  When  a genie  is  out  of  his  element,  his  power  is 
limited.  Here,  industry  must  supply  the  defect  of  power. 
Order  and  taste  must  make  amends  for  the  want  of  variety. 
Necessity  will  confer  a value  upon  anything.  Gratitude  will 
ascribe  even  to  the  slightest  favor  the  highest  consequence.” 

Ilzaide  returned.  The  pavilion  was  set  up  and  ornamented. 


AiiABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


37? 


Th^  table  was  covered.  All  that  now  remained  was  to  suspend 
the  magic  influence  by  which  Habib’s  sleep  was  prolonged. 
But  it  was  requisite  that  he  should  awake  on  the  sofa  before 
which  the  table  stood,  and  that  the  three  sisters  should  be 
seated  opposite  to  him. 

“ Let  us  now  see,  sisters,”  said  the  eldest,  ‘‘  whether  this 
be  the  Arabian  knight  who  is  the  lover  of  Dorathil-goase.  1 
will  try  an  expedient  to  know,  the  success  of  which  cannot  fail. 
Raise  up  your  hands,  and  move  them  while  I speak : ‘ By  the 
great  prophet  Solomon,  knight,  I awaken  you  in  the  name  of 
Dorathil-goase.” 

“ Dorathil-goase  ! ” cried  Habib,  awaking  and  springing  up. 
He  then  looked  about  him,  and  remained  stupefied  and  con- 
founded : three  beauties,  half  naked ; a table,  plentifully  cov- 
ered with  inviting  food,  fruits,  flowers ; a pavilion,  where  all 
was  coral  and  purple  ; and  all  these  conjured  up  by  the  name 
of  Dorathil-goase.  “ Dorathil-goase  ! ” cried  he  again,  sitting 
down  and  looking  about  him ; ‘‘  where  is  my  dear  Dorathil- 
goase  } ” 

“She  is  not  here,  sir  knight,”  replied  the  eldest  of  the 
three  sisters,  “but  you  are  within  sight  of  one  of  the  isles  of 
which  the  rebel  genii  have  deprived  her.  You  may  see  it  over 
this  arm  of  the  sea — yonder  bluish  vapor,  which  terminates 
your  horizon.” 

“ Are  you  attendants  of  hers  ? Whither  am  I transported  ? ” 
said  the  young  sultan,  greatly  moved. 

“ In  our  hearts,”  replied  the  eldest  of  the  daughters  of  the 
sea,  “we  are  still  her  subjects,  although  subjected,  in  spite  of 
us,  to  the  law  of  the  rebellious  Abarikaff,  and  to  the  immediate 
dominion  of  the  monstrous  Racachik.” 

“ Where  are  they  ? ” interrupted  Habib ; “ I will  drive  them 
from  the  face  of  the  earth.” 

“ Sir,”  answered  the  eldest  of  the  daughters  of  the  sea, 
“they  are  at  present  both  out  of  your  reach,  Abarikaff  is 
upon  the  Black  Isle ; and  you  have  six  seas  to  cross  before 
you  can  meet  with  him.  Racachik  is  upon  the  White  Isle, 
which  you  see  there.”  “ I will  attack  him  instantly,”  said  Habib. 
“ The  thing  is  possible,  but  you  must  employ  new  expedients.’ 
“These  shall  be  easily  found  out,”  said  the  hero.  “ I am  here 
amid  an  enchanted  scene,  for  which  I am  undoubtedly  indebted 
to  the  goodness  of  II  Haboul  or  of  Dorathil-goase ; but  where 
am  I ? ” 

“ On  the  same  rock  on  which  you  feel  asleep  yesterday ; we 
have  endeavored  to  make  it  more  commodious  to  you.” 


AHABIAAT  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


578 


I thank  you/’  said  Habib  ; ‘‘  your  power  seems  to  be 
founded  upon  charms  of  more  than  one  sort.  But  if  you  are 
disposed  to  continue  your  goodness  to  me,  cannot  you,  by  a 
very  small  exertion  of  magical  power,  transform  this  pavilion 
into  a bark,  which  may  instantly  carry  me  to  the  isle  in  which 
the  enemy  of  Queen  Dorathil-goase  commands  ? ” 

‘‘  Sir  knight,”  replied  the  eldest  of  the  daughters  of  the 
sea,  ‘‘although  we  be  three  sisters,  daughters  of  genii,  and 
genii  ourselves,  yet  here  are  neither  charms  nor  enchantments. 
This  pavilion  and  this  frugal  meal  are  prepared  by  natural 
means.  The  fatigues  you  have  undergone  since  your  departure 
from  Arabia  must  have  exhausted  your  strength  ; eat  freely  and 
cheerfully  of  these  dishes ; they  were  dressed  for  you  by 
friendly  hands.  You  will  not  suspect  the  sincerity  of  our  in- 
clination to  serve  you,  when  you  understand,  that  by  avenging 
our  queen  of  the  tyrant  Racachik,  you  will  do  still  more  for  us 
than  if  you  should  restore  us  to  peace  and  rest.  But  I can 
say  no  more,  if  you  refuse  to  taste  the  food  we  offer.” 

Habib  suffered  himself  to  be  prevailed  upon  ; and  the 
daughter  of  the  sea  continued  her  narrative  in  the  following 
words : 

“ Since  Abarikaff  has  made  good  his  attempt  by  kindling 
rebellion  through  all  the  provinces  of  Dorathil-goase’s  domin- 
ions, he  committed  the  government  of  the  White  Isle,  the  fron- 
tier of  his  territories,  to  Racachik,  the  most  cruel  and  infamous 
of  the.  genii  under  his  command. 

“This  monster,  before  he  joined  the  standard  of  Abarikaff, 
had  ranged  through  the  ocean,  under  the  form  of  an  enormous 
shark.  When  he  observed  a vessel  under  sail,  he  pursued  it, 
and  by  his  poisonous  eye  fascinated  the  sailors  and  passengers. 
Hapless  were  they  who  chanced  to  look  on  him  ! Their  heads 
became  giddy,  they  dropped  into  the  sea;  the  monster  dragged 
them  under  water,  and  made  them  his  prey.  Nor  was  his 
hunger  satiable  ; when  strangers  were  not  to  be  found,  he 
glutted  his  voracious  maw  with  the  blood  of  the  queen’s  sub- 
jects. The  tyrant  Abarikaff  authorized  him  to  do  so ; for 
both  had  made  a vow  to  exterminate  the  children  of  Adam. 

“ As  for  ourselves,  he  cannot,  it  is  true,  deprive  us  of  life  ; 
but  we  are  subject  to  torments  more  cruel  than  death  itself. 
He  chooses  from  among  us  his  wives  and  his  slaves.  These 
he  changes  every  moon.  My  sister  and  myself,  at  next  new 
moon,  must  enter  into  a great  salt-water  pond,  which  serves  as 
his  harem.  The  fatal  time  will  arrive  in  three  days  1 If  you 
•hall  attack  the  monster,  be  assured  of  our  earnest  prayers  for 


aa'Ab/ajv'  nights^  entertainments. 


379 

youl  success ; yet  can  we  not  hide  from  you  the  dangers  you 
must  encounter. 

For  his  convenience  while  he  is  on  land,  the  monster  has 
in  part  assumed  a human  form,  reserving,  however,  his  shark’s 
head,  armed  with  a triple  row  of  teeth,  because  he  found  that 
so  well  suited  to  his  sanguinary  nature.  His  gigantic  body 
is  covered  with  enchanted  scales,  which  are  his  armor.  The 
shell  of  a huge  tortoise  forms  his  shield  ; and  he  wears  on  his 
head  an  enormous  twisted  shell,  by  way  of  helmet.  His  lance 
is  the  horn  of  a sword-fish,  six  cubits  in  length.  He  mounts 
on  the  back  of  a sea-horse,  and  thus  rushes  on  to  the  combat ; 
the  steed  mingling  his  horrible  cries  with  those  of  his  rider. 
The  rib  of  a whale,  which  he  has  rendered  harder  and  sharper 
than  steel,  serves  him  for  a cimeter.  His  arms  cannot  be  re- 
sisted by  human  force  \ for  his  weapons  are  enchanted.” 

“ How,  madam  ! ” interrupted  Habib,  with  vivacity,  ‘‘  can 
I not  be  transported  in  less  than  three  days  to  the  isle  that  is 
ravaged  by  Racachik  ? Find  me  a conveyance  to  the  spot, 
and  I swear  by  the  holy  Prophet  that  I shall  not  rest  till  I 
have  executed  the  vengeance  of  Heaven  on  this  wicked  enemy 
of  humanity ! ” 

While  Habib  uttered  this  oath,  his  eye  displayed  somewhat 
more  than  human,  and  his  look  was  such  as  might  have  in- 
spired a whole  army  with  courage.  He  made  a few  steps 
within  the  pavilion,  and  his  graceful  air  and  majestic  carriage 
still  heightened  the  noble  expression  of  his  countenance. 

Ilzaide  concealed  herself  behind  her  eldest  sister.  There,” 
said  she  in  a whisper,  ‘‘  there  is  a hero ! How  charming  he 
is ! I never  saw  his  like  ! Oh,  sister,  how  I tremble  lest  I 
should  love  him ! ” doubt,”  answered  the  other,  ‘‘  it  is  no 
longer  time  to  fear  it ! ” 

“ Brave  knight,”  continued  she,  addressing  Habib,  ‘‘  we  are 
as  anxious  as  yourself  to  procure  you  the  means  of  delivering 
us  from  the  oppression  of  our  tyrant.  In  the  defiles  of  this 
mountain  there  is  a marsh  which  produces  reeds  of  an  ex- 
traordinary strength  and  size.  We  will  form  a raft  of  those 
materials  sufficient  to  bear  you  through  the  calm  sea  to  the 
White  Isle,  to  which  place  we  ourselves  will  conduct  you.  In 
the  mean  time,  finish  your  repast,  and  enjoy  repose  till  morning. 
— Come,  sister,”  said  she  to  Ilzaide,  ‘‘  let  us  set  about  making 
the  raft ! ” I will  attend  you,”  resumed  Habib  ; “ I am 
surely  able  enough  to  participate  in  your  labors.” 

“ My  sisters  and  I are  sufficient,”  answered  the  eldest. 
“ We  must  pass  for  a great  way  under  water,  to  a place  where 


380  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

it  would  be  impossible  for  you  to  follow  us.  We  will  soon  re 
turn ; for  our  zeal  and  impatience  for  the  accomplishment  of 
your  vow  are  not  less  than  your  own  ; and  to-morrow,  by  day- 
break, we  shall  be  ready  to  set  out  for  the  Whi  e Isled’  The 
three  sisters  took  their  leave  of  him,  and  passing  with  vast 
agility  over  the  rocks  came  to  a small  eminence  on  the  brink  of 
the  sea.  There,  while  they  bound  up  their  tresses  and  pre- 
pared to  plunge  into  the  water,  the  younger  sister  asked  hei 
companions,  ‘‘  How  can  we  leave  him  alone  ? he  will  soon 
weary  in  such  solitude.’’  “ I dare  say,  sister,”  answered  the 
eldest,  ‘‘  you  would  willingly  keep  him  company,  and  while  we 
prepared  the  raft,  you  would  take  care  to  render  our  labors 
vain.  My  dear  sister,  you  are  no  stranger  to  the  dangers  of 
the  ocean  ; but  you  are  not  yet  acquainted  with  all  its  shoals 
and  quicksands  ! Let  us  go  where  our  duty  calls  us.”  They 
all  threw  themselves  into  the  sea,  and  disappeared. 

In  the  mean  time  Habib,  having  made  an  end  of  his  repast, 
and  seeing  night  approach,  performed  his  ablution,  and  said  his 
prayer ; after  which  he  enjoyed  an  easy  sleep,  waiting  the  re- 
turn of  the  daughters  of  the  sea. 

When  the  first  rays  of  the  sun  struck  his  eyelids,  Habib 
awaked ; he  looked  anxiously  toward  the  White  Isle,  and  with 
his  eye  measured  the  distance.  He  suddenly  perceived  a 
remarkable  commotion  in  the  water,  though  the  sea  was 
scarcely  ruffled  by  the  gentle  breeze.  He  observed  an  object 
advance  with  rapidity  toward  the  place  where  he  stood,  and 
saw  several  heads  above  the  water,  who  called  to  him,  ‘‘  Come, 
brave  knight,  come  on  board  this  raft ! ” He  knew  the  voices 
of  the  three  sisters,  and  sprang  upon  the  slender  craft,  which, 
however,  bore  him  on  the  surface  of  the  waves. 

Eight  dolphins  were  yoked  to  the  raft.  The  eldest  sister, 
with  half  of  her  body  above  water,  supported  the  stern  with 
both  her  hands,  and  served  as  a rudder  to  the  vessel.  The  two 
younger  sisters  swam,  one  on  each  side,  keeping  it  in  equilibrium 
with  one  hand.  Habib,  having  his  mind  full  of  the  enterprise 
in  which  he  was  engaged,  was  seated  on  the  raft. 

They  soon  discovered  the  shore  of  the  White  Isle  and  the 
palace  of  the  tyrant,  which  was  built  of  shells  and  corals,  on 
a promontor}.  projecting  into  the  sea.  When  the  sentinels 
perceived  the  warrior  approaching,  they  gave  the  alarm,  and 
announced  the  news  to  Racachik.  The  monster  regarded  him 
as  a fresh  prey  ready  to  fall  into  his  hands. 

“Let  him  come  on,”  said  he;  “ask  him  what  he  wants. 
He  shall  soon  know  to  his  cost  that  no  stranger  can  set  foot  ou 


A/iABIAIV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  383 

tiii3  isle  till  he  has  tried  my  strength  and  courage  ; but  I must 
arm  myself  to  give  him  a suitable  reception.” 

In  the  mean  time  the  raft  approached  the  land,  and  Habib 
leaped  ashore.  One  of  the  sentinels,  who  was  an  amphibious 
monster,  came  up  to  interrogate  him,  as  Racachik  had  com- 
manded. ‘‘Go  tell  thy  master,”  said  Habib,  “that  I am  come 
to  challenge  him  to  single  combat.”  “ You  are  not  armed,” 
said  the  monster,  “ nor  have  you  a horse.”  “ Know,”  said  the 
young  sultan,  “ that  my  turban  is  my  casque,  and  my  cimeter 
is  instead  of  a helmet  and  a buckler.  I need  no  horse  ; 
let  thy  master  come  on  ! I here  defy  him  and  all  his  powers.” 

No  sooner  was  this  message  delivered  than  the  furious 
Racachik,  clad  in  his  strong  mail  of  shells,  and  mounted  on  a 
hideous  sea-horse,  whose  clumsy  gallop  raised  about  him  a 
cloud  of  dust,  advanced  toward  the  shore  to  attack  the  hero. 
“ Despicable  son  of  Adam  ! vile  slave  of  Mohammed  ! thou  art 
proud  forsooth  that  thou  dost  not  creep  on  the  earth  like  other 
reptiles,  but  canst  raise  thy  head  three  cubits  above  the  clay 
from  which  thou  art  sprung.  Barest  thou  insult  the  genie 
Racachik ! take  then  the  reward  of  thy  temerity  ” While  he 
pronounced  these  words,  he  pushed  on  his  horse  against  Habib, 
and  aimed  a thrust  at  him  with  his  enormous  lance.  The  young 
hero  opposed  his  cimeter,  and  the  lance  of  his  adversary  was 
shivered  in  pieces  before  the  stroke  reached  him.  The  shock, 
however,  stunned  the  arm  of  the  tyrant.  His  horse  became 
restive,  reared  on  his  hinder  legs,  and  fell  backward  on  his 
rider  Racachik  saw  his  danger,  and  called  to  his  assistance 
all  the  monsters  subjected  to  his  power.  In  a moment  the 
ocean  was  agitated,  and  poured  forth  a legion  of  sea-lions, 
hippopotami,  and  sea-calves  ; whales  approached  the  shore  and 
spouted  up  a torrent  of  water,  which  seemed  to  form  a barrier 
between  the  young  prince  and  his  enemy.  The  shore  resounded 
with  horrible  shrieks ; for  the  whole  army  of  monsters  united 
in  their  efforts  against  the  hero.  He  for  some  time  kept  them 
at  bay  with  his  cimeter ; but  fearing  lest  he  should  be  over- 
whelmed by  numbers,  he  waved  the  sacred  weapon  thrice  in  the 
air,  pronouncing  the  formidable  word  power.  The  effect  was 
instantaneous ; the  monsters  that  had  escaped  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  constrained  by  a superior  force,  plunged  into  the  abyss 
from  which  they  had  issued.  Racachik  again  attempted  to  re- 
new the  fight ; he  dared  to  encounter  the  weapon  of  Solomon 
with  his  monstrous  cimeter  formed  from  the  rib  of  a whale  ; but 
in  a moment  it  was  broken  into  a thousand  pieces.  His  scaly 
armor  and  enchanted  weapons  fell  into  dust ! “ Go,  wretch,” 


382  Al^ ASIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

cried  Habib,  “ go,  lament  thy  crimes  eternally  in  the  caverns  of 
Caucasus!”  In  an  instant  the  shore  was  cleared  of  every 
vestige  of  the  monsters,  and  no  trace  of  Racachik’s  enchant- 
ments remained. 

A dismal  silence  succeeded  to  this  scene  of  horror  and 
tumult.  The  victorious  Habib,  grateful  for  his  destiny,  fell 
prostrate,  and  adored  the  being  to  whom  he  owed  his  success  : 
•‘Great  power,”  cried  he,  “whom  none  can  resist,  thy  breath 
hath  dispersed  thine  enemies  like  chaff,  and  left  not  a wreck 
behind ! The  fire  that  consumes  the  stubble  leaves  the  field 
covered  with  ashes ; thy  foes  are  consumed,  but  no  mark  of 
them  remains.  The  slender  reed  in  the  hand  of  thy  servant, 
O God,  is  more  powerful  than  the  sturdy  oak  in  the  grasp  of 
the  wicked.  I am  like  an  arrow  in  the  bow  of  Mohammed  and 
of  Solomon.  I have  been  sent  against  this  accursed  race,  and 
they  are  destroyed.” 

Habib  arose  with  an  humble  sense  of  the  kindness  of 
Heaven,  and  did  not  at  first  perceive  the  snare  that  was  spread 
for  his  virtue.  The  whole  shore  was  covered  with  the  beautiful 
daughters  of  the  sea,  adorned  with  crowns  and  garlands  of 
marine  flowers.  They  had  assembled  to  express  their  grateful 
thanks  to  their  deliverer,  and  to  lay  at  his  feet  all  the  riches  of 
their  element.  The  harmonious  concert  of  their  voices,  and 
their  graceful  address,  while  they  did  homage  to  the  hero,  might 
have  moved  the  most  savage  heart.  The  young  Ilzaide  and  her 
sisters  were  more  earnest  in  testifying  their  gratitude  than  the 
rest.  But  the  modesty  of  Habib  would  not  permit  him  to 
accept  the  praises  they  lavished  on  him.  “ I have  done  noth- 
ing fo^  you,”  cried  he,  “ I have  only  fulfilled  my  duty  and 
deserve  not  such  acknowledgments.  Where  are  the  mosques  'I 
Let  us  go  to  the  temple,  where  we  may  give  thanks  to  God.  I 
will  lead  the  way.  If  there  be  any  faithfuh  subject  of  your 
queen  Dorathil-goase  in  this  place,  let  him  stand  forth,  that  I 
may  put  these,  your  gifts,  into  his  hand  ; for  I can  only  accept 
them  in  her  name.” 

A genie,  in  his  natural  form,  immediately  presented  himself. 
He  was  bent  under  a load  of  years ; his  wings  were  shattered, 
and  his  body  galled  by  the  chains  with  which  the  tyrant  had 
loaded  him.  His  name  was  Balazan. 

“ Sir,”  said  the  genie,  “ when  ourgood  queen,  Camarilzaman, 
reigned,  we  had  three  mosques  on  this  island,  but  Racachik 
profaned  and  demolished  them.  That  heap  of  rubbish  you  see 
before  us  is  the  ruins  of  a city  which  he  sacked,  and  of  which 
he  devoured  the  inhabitants.  The  isle  has  remained  without 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS.  383 

culture  and  without  commerce.  Illabousatrous  bestowed  on 
me  the  government  of  this  place ; but  Racachik,  on  his  arrival^ 
threw  me  into  a dungeon,  from  which  I have  been  liberated  by 
your  victory.  I come  to  do  homage  to  the  messenger  of  Solo- 
mon, who  displays  on  this  coast  the  sword  of  the  prophet,  and 
to  offer  my  services  to  him  who  is  the  deliverer  of  the  children 
of  God,  and  the  avenger  of  Dorathil-goase.”  “Well,’’  an- 
swered Habib  ; “ Balazan,  in  the  name  of  the  great  prophet, 
and  Dorathil-goase,  whose  knight  I am,  I restore  to  thee  all  the 
powers  with  which  thou  wert  formerly  invested.  Take  these 
treasures  which  lie  at  my  feet ; cause  the  mosques  to  be  rebuilt, 
and  let  the  muezzin  proclaim  from  the  lofty  turrets,  that  all  the 
queen’s  faithful  subjects,  wherever  they  are  dispersed,  may 
repair  thither  without  fear.  Govern  here  in  the  name  of 
Mohammed,  of  the  great  Solomon,  and  of  your  queen. 
Re-establish  good  order,  and  procure  me  the  means  of  trans- 
porting myself  to  Medinaz-il-ballor.” 

“ Noble  and  valiant  knight  ! ” returned  Balazan,  “ I accept 
with  confidence  the  authority  you  have  bestowed  on  me.  and  I 
submit  to  the  decrees  of  Heaven.  But,  sir,  it  is  impossible  to 
assist  you  in  going  where  your  destiny  calls  you.  This  isle  is 
deprived  of  every  means  of  navigation ; and  the  path  through 
the  air  is  equally  impracticable  ; for  my  wings  are  disabled,  as 
you  see  ; but  though  that  were  not  the  case,  Abarikaff  has  so 
guarded  the  passes  that  all  my  efforts  to  break  his  enchant 
ments  would  prove  in  vain.  You  must  pursue  your  journey 
from  one  isle  to  another  by  the  same  means  you  employed  in 
coming  hither.  Avail  yourself  of  the  enthusiasm  with  which 
your  person  and  valor  have  inspired  the  genii  of  the  sea  ; and 
they  may,  perhaps,  be  able  to  conduct  you  to  the  chief  seat  of 
our  enemy’s  power  The  event  will  depend  on  your  own  cour- 
age and  the  decrees  of  fate.  Already  has  the  terror  of  your 
arms  spread  to  the  Yellow  and  Red  Isles.  Mokilras,  the  tiger 
of  the  sea,  tyrannizes  over  both.  He  is  the  son  of  the  monster 
from  whom  you  have  just  delivered  us.  Informed  of  his  father’s 
overthrow,  he  is  at  this  moment  using  every  precaution  his  fears 
can  suggest.  You  will  have  many  difficulties  to  encounter,  but 
if  you  shall  prevail  against  him,  you  need  only  erect  on  your 
standard  the  skin  of  the  monster,  and  the  Red  Island  will  at 
once  submit.” 

Habib  then  addressed  the  eldest  of  the  three  sisters  : “ If  I 
could  find  here  a fisher’s  boat,  or  a small  skiff,”  said  he,  “ I 
would  embark  in  it  for  the  Yellow  Isle  ; but  as  I may  be  unable 
to  obtain  such  assistance,  will  the  genii  of  your  element  refuse 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


3^4 

me  their  aid  ? ’’  “ If  fear  should  hinder  them  from  engaging  In 

the  noble  enterprise,”  answered  she,  “ if  they  are  ignorant  of 
the  degree  of  confidence  due  to  a knight  of  your  merit,  my  sis- 
ters and  I will  show  them  their  duty.  Our  dolphins  can  at 
least  conduct  the  raft  within  a league  of  the  shore  ; but  it  would 
be  dangerous  for  them  to  proceed  farther,  on  account  of  the 
precautions  taken  by  Mokilras.”  A league  is  but  a short  way 
to  swim,”  said  Habib,  in  the  eyes  of  a man  who  is  determined, 
at  all  hazards,  to  do  his  duty.” 

“ O generous  knight,”  resumed  the  daughter  of  the  sea ; 
“ who  could  refuse  to  follow  you,  were  it  only  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you,  and  hearing  you  discourse  ? but  are  you 
not  afraid  that  you  may  at  last  fall  a prey  to  these  terrible  sea- 
monsters  ? ” know  no  fear,  madam,  but  that'  of  failing  to 
second  the  decrees  of  destiny,  or  falling  short  of  my  duty  to 
your  queen  ! ” “ Valiant  prince,  you  may  rely  on  our  fidelity  ; 

my  sisters  and  I will  reserve  to  ourselves  the  honor  of  serving 
you.” 

At  that  moment  the  raft  was  afloat,  and  bore  them  through 
the  waters  with  immense  velocity.  They  were  now  able  to  dis- 
tinguish the  commotion  that  their  approach  had  occasioned  in 
the  Yellow  Isle.  It  was  at  the  distance  of  about  a league,  and 
the  dolphins,  actuated  by  instinct,  suddenly  stopped,  and  en- 
deavored to  break  the  harness  by  which  they  were  yoked  to  the 
raft.  One  of  the  sisters  advanced  and  set  them  at  liberty, 
while  the  raft  remained  motionless  on  the  surface  of  the  water. 
A wave  was  at  that  moment  raised  by  the  sea-monsters,  which 
approached  the  raft,  and  seemed  ready  to  overwhelm  it.  Habib 
saw  that  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in  saving  his  amiable  com- 
panions from  the  danger  that  threatened  them.  He  took  his 
cimeter  in  his  hand  and  plunged  into  the  sea,  pronouncing 
aloud  tb;  sacred  word  inscribed  on  the  talisman. 

The  waters  seemed  to  arrange  themselves  to  afford  him  a 
passage ; the  billows  subsided,  and  the  sea  became  smooth. 
At  last  the  hero  arrived  at  a shaflow  sand-bank,  on  which  he 
proceeded  to  the  shore  without  interruption. 

He  saw  his  enemies  dispersed  in  small  parties,  who  seemed 
ready  to  betake  themselves  to  flight  at  his  approach.  He  ad 
vanced  toward  those  that  appeared  most  formidable,  flew  on 
them  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  and  whoever  ventured  to 
oppose  him  instantly  sunk  under  the  dreadful  strokes  of  his 
cimeter. 

Mokilras,  the  enormous  tiger,  came  up,  walking  on  his  hin- 
der feet,  and  aimed  a blow  at  the  hero  with  a monstrous  club  ; 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


3^5 

but  instantly  resuming  his  own  nature,  ran  off  on  four  feet 
Habib  pursued  him  ; but  human  strength  and  agility  were  in- 
sufficient to  the  contest ; he  therefore  pronounced  the  sacred 
word,  adding,  “ Mokilras  ! I arrest  thee  in  the  name  of  Solomon  ! 
The  monster  remained  immovable.  One  stroke  of  the  cimeter 
severed  his  head  from  his  body,  and  his  skin  was  immediately 
stripped  off. 

As  soon  as  the  tyrant  of  the  Yellow  Isle  was  dispatched, 
the  elements  returned  to  their  natural  order,  and  a calm  suo 
ceeded  to  the  dreadful  storms  by  which  they  had  been  agitated. 

When  the  three  daughters  of  the  sea  were  again  assembled 
about  the  raft,  the  young  Ilzaide  raised  herself  upon  it,  and 
with  a long  marine  trumpet  called  together  the  affrighted  dol- 
phins, and  they  were  obedient  to  her  voice.  Innumerable  in- 
habitants of  the  ocean  crowded  about  the  place,  who  united 
their  voices  in  joyfully  singing  the  victories  of  the  hero,  and 
fhus  approached  the  shore  at  the  moment  of  his  triumph  over 
Mokilras. 

Habib  returned  to  the  raft,  but  refused  to  accept  the  hom- 
age, or  rather  adoration,  that  was  offered  to  him.  “ Creatures 
of  God,”  said  he,  “worship  your  Creator;  lift  your  eyes  to 
Heaven,  and  thank  the  Almighty  for  your  deliverance.  It  is  to 
him  alone,  your  gratitude  is  due.  Subjects  of  Dorathil-goase,” 
cried  he,  “ reserve  those  expressions  of  submission  and  respect 
for  your  queen  ; her  knight  will  join  you  in  doing  her  homage, 
and  in  offering  up  prayers  for  her  prosperity.” 

When  he  had  finished  his  speech,  a multitude  of  people 
assembled  about  him  from  all  quarters,  whose  presence  at  once 
increased  his  triumph  and  his  embarrassment.  Every  one 
seemed  more  forward  than  another  to  swear  allegiance  to  him, 
and  to  demand  a renewal  of  the  laws.  Happily  the  old  genie 
Balazan  came  to  his  relief. 

As  soon  as  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  White  Isle  had  sub- 
mitted to  the  authority  of  that  genie,  he  made  a vigorous  effort 
to  rise  into  the  air,  that  he  might  follow  the  successful  hero  to 
whom  he  owed  his  deliverance  ; and  after  a hard  struggle,  he 
now  joined  the  young  Habib  in  the  Yellow  Island,  at  the 
moment  when  the  inhabitants  of  that  country  were  doing  him 
homage. 

“ Subjects  of  Dorathil-goase,”  cried  the  old  genie,  “ this 
gallant  knight  accepts  your  testimonies  of  gratitude.  Return 
to  your  possessions,  and  enjoy  them,  while  you  live  under  the 
laws  of  our  sovereign.  And  you,  valiant  knight,”  addressing 
nimself  to  Habib,  “you  may  now  take  a little  repose.  The 


386  ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  ' 

conquest  of  the  Red  Isle  is  not  an  enterprise  worth  your  while. 
I will  go  alone  on  the  raft,  and  bear  with  me  the  skin  and  the 
arms  of  Mokilras.  At  the  sight  of  that  terrible  trophy  the 
rebels  will,  of  their  own  accord,  submit  their  necks  to  our 
chains.  Reserve  your  strength  for  the  conquest  of  the  Green 
and  Blue  Islands,  and,  above  all,  that  of  the  Black  Isle.” 

Habib  despised  a victory  that  might  be  obtained  without 
danger  ; he,  therefore,  committed  the  conduct  of  the  enterprise 
to  Balazan,  and  took  repose,  that  he  might  be  invigorated  for 
his  future  labor. 

The  hero  was  still  asleep  when  Balazan  returned  from  the 
Red  Isle,  carrying  in  his  hands  two  bags  formed  of  goat-skin. 
“These,”  he  cried,  while  he  awakened  Habib,  “these,  my 
brave  knight,  are  all  the  remains  of  our  dangerous  enemies  to 
be  found  in  the  country  which  I have  just  now  restored  to  the 
dominions  of  our  queen.  I have  enclosed  them  in  these  bags 
that  I may  forthwith  send  them  to  the  caverns  of  Mount  Cau- 
casus. To-morrow  you  may  proceed  without  obstruction  to  the 
Red  Isle,  and  then  consult  the  means  of  pursuing  your  victories  ; 
but  it  is  impossible  to  foresee  all  the  dangers  you  must  en- 
counter. The  tyrant  Nisabic  governs  the  Green  and  Blue 
Isles ; the  enchantments  of  this  genie  are  almost  as  powerful 
as  those  of  Abarikaff  himself.  It  is  impossible  to  inform  you 
of  the  various  means  he  may  use  to  repel  your  attacks  ; your 
own  prudence  and  ingenuity  must  direct  you  in  avoiding  such 
dangers  as  are  visible,  and  in  guarding  against  the  secret  snares 
that  may  be  laid  for  you.  We,  alas  ! could  do  nothing  ; but 
what  power  can  oppose  the  gallant  knight  of  Dorathil-goase  } ” 

Opposition  and  difficulty  only  served  to  inflame  the  courage 
of  the  Arabian  prince.  At  the  earliest  dawn  he  set  out  with 
the  raft,  and  the  dolphins  conducted  him  to  the  Red  Isle.  He 
went  round  the  point  of  the  island  that  he  might  be  ready  to 
depart  from  the  Green  Isle,  which  he  determined  to  attack  the 
next  day. 

The  daughters  of  the  sea  never  quitted  their  deliverer,  but 
obligingly  served  him  in  whatever  he  wanted.  He  now  called 
to  mind  the  sage  counsels  of  II  Haboul  : “ I am  less  afraid  of 
the  open  force,”  would  he  say,  “ than  of  the  secret  machinations 
of  your  enemies.”  The  young  prince,  therefore,  determined  to 
be  on  his  guard  against  those  of  the  genii  with  whom  he  was 
bound  to  contend.  He  fell  asleep,  confiding  in  the  goodness 
of  Providence,  and  arose  next  morning  with  a heart  glowing 
with  courage  and  hope. 

The  hero  was  proceeding  on  his  voyage  with  tranquillity, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  387 

when  all  at  once  the  three  sisters  uttered  a dreadful  shriek,  and> 
the  head  and  hands  of  llzaide,  who  swam  by  the  side  of  the 
raft,  suddenly  disappeared.  Habib  instantly  threw  himself  into 
the  sea,  with  his  cimeter  in  his  hand.  He  found  himself  en- 
tangled in  the  meshes  of  a net ; he  pronounced  the  terrible 
word,  and  employed  the  edge  of  his  weapon.  The  net  was  cut 
to  pieces.  He  laid  hold  of  llzaide,  placed  her  on  the  raft,  and 
flew  to  the  assistance  of  her  sisters.  When  he  had  placed  them 
in  safety,  he  perceived  the  raft  was  agitated  without  moving 
forward,  and  that  this  was  occasioned  by  the  dolphins  being 
entangled  in  the  same  sort  of  netting.  He  disengaged  them  ; 
and  that  he  might  open  a passage,  he  mounted  on  the  foremost 
dolphin,  and  proceeded  towards  the  shore,  striking  on  the  right 
hand  and  the  left  with  his  cimeter,  which  cut  the  enchanted 
net  that  had  been  spread  to  oppose  his  course. 

From  the  summit  of  the  highest  ^^wer  in  ’ns  castle  of  steel, 
the  tyrant  beheld  an  object  approaching  towards  the  shore.  He 
saw  its  progress  through  the  magical  netting  he  had  spread  in 
the  water,  but  he  perceived  not  the  Arabian  knight.  He,  how- 
ever, discovered  three  female  figures,  half  naked,  seated  on  the 
raft,  which  advanced  with  great  rapidity.  None  could  be  so  weak 
as  to  imagine  that  his  heart  might  be  assailed  by  female  charms  ,* 
and  the  precautions  he  had  taken  were,  in  his  opinion,  sufficient 
to  guard  him  against  the  power  of  enchantments.  His  palace 
was  constructed  of  solid  steel  ; and  it  was  only  accessible  by  a 
vaulted  passage  in  the  rock,  armed  with  iron  pikes  ; the  whole 
vault  being  supported  by  one  keystone,  which  was  retained  in 
its  place  only  by  a slender  thread.  This  defence  was,  he 
thought,  proof  against  all  the  arts  of  magic. 

Nisabic,  confiding  in  the  strength  of  his  palace,  came  out  by 
the  formidable  vault,  and  prepared  to  meet  his  antagonist. 
The  group  of  females  still  advanced,  and  the  knight  at  last 
leaped  ashore. 

The  monster,  who  was  clad  in  strong  armor,  despised  such 
an  assailant.  He  had  consulted  his  horoscope,  and  discovered 
“ that  none  could  vanquish  him,  without  being  master  of  his 
steel  house.’’  It  appeared  to  him  almost  impossible  that  his 
enemy  could  escape  the  danger  of  the  mysterious  vault ; and, 
if  he  should  even  be  so  happy  as  to  pass  through  it,  he  thought 
he  could  still  make  no  impression  on  a fort  which  he  regarded 
as  impregnable. 

Nisabic,  bearing  in  his  hand  a steel  club  of  enormous 
weight,  advanced  to  Habib.  “ Audacious  stranger  ! ” cried  he, 
what  madness  has  induced  thee  to  rush  on  certain  destruc- 


388  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

^tion  ? ‘‘I  am  the  knight  of  Dorathil-goase/’  answered  Habib, 

firmly  ; “ Y come  to  punish  the  rebels  against  God  and  the 
great  Solomon.’^  “Vile  reptile!’*  replied  the  enraged  genie, 
“receive  the  death  I inflict  on  the  meanest  of  my  slaves  ! ” 
Whfle  he  pronounced  these  w^ords,  he  raised  his  dreadful  club, 
and  aimed  a blow  at  the  head  of  the  young  prince. 

The  hero  warded  off  the  stroke  with  the  blade  of  his  cime- 
ter.  The  effect  was  terrible.  At  the  sight  of  the  awful  talis- 
man the  club  dropped  from  the  hands  of  the  genie,  and  he  fell 
motionless  on  the  earth.  He  saw  himself  in  the  power  of  his 
enemy,  and  muttered  some  dark  words  of  conjuration.  Habib 
flew  on  his  vanquished  foe,  and  endeavored  to  pierce  his  body, 
but  he  was  surprised  to  find  that  it  was  only  his  armor  that  lay 
at  his  feet,  and  that  he  had  obtained  no  more  than  the  shell  of 
the  warrior.  The  material  substance  of  Nisabic  had  disap- 
peared ; and  the  Arabian  prince  did  not  at  that  moment  know 
that  his  victory  was  greater  than  if  he  had  seized  the  body  of 
the  genie.  In  short,  the  prophecy  was  explained  and  accom- 
plished which  declared  that  “ he  who  should  vanquish  him 
must  first  be  master  of  his  steel  house.”  The  oracle  meant  the 
armor  in  which  he  was  encased,  and  which  Nisabic  thought  im- 
penetrable. 

Habib  trampled  under  foot  this  enormous  suit  of  armor  ; 
and  by  three  or  four  strokes  of  his  cimeter,  unloosed  all  its 
joints  and  scattered  the  fragments.  Thus  was  another  predic- 
tion of  the  oracle  fulfilled,  which  said,  that  “ The  power  of  Nis- 
abic should  be  disjointed  and  scattered.” 

The  monster,  by  making  himself  invisible,  and  retiring 
under  the  vault  that  led  to  his  palace,  had  made  the  last  effort 
in  his  power.  He  presented  himself  at  the  entrance  of  the 
vault  in  his  natural  form,  with  his  sword  in  his  hand  as  if  he 
would  challenge  his  antagonist  to  single  combat.  The  young 
prince  fell  into  the  snare  ; the  genie  retreated  a few  steps,  and 
cut  the  thread  which  retained  the  key-stone  of  the  vault,  and 
the  rocks  instantly  began  to  fall  with  a horrible  crashing  noise. 

At  the  first  alarm,  the  hero  pronounced  aloud  the  sacred 
word  of  the  talisman,  and  opposed  the  falling  rocks  by  the 
dazzling  blade  of  his  cimeter.  The  vast  fragments  of  stone 
arranged  themselves  on  his  right  hand  and  his  left,  without  do- 
ing the  least  injury  to  the  young  sultan  ; but  he  heard  near  him 
the  most  piteous  cries  and  groans,  and  was  involved  in  a cloud 
of  dust.  It  was  the  tyrant  himself  who  uttered  these  lamenta- 
tions : “ Arabian  prince  ! ” cried  the  genie,  “ I am  made 
acquainted  with  thy  destiny  and  my  own,  by  my  present  mis- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS,  389 

fortune  ! The  oracles  have  deceived  me  ; I have  long  expected 
thee,  yet  I knew  thee  not ! Thou  hast  disguised  thy  power 
under  a show  of  weakness,  and  I have  been  vanquished  through 
my  own  imprudence.  Abuse  not  thy  victory  ; I am  buried 
under  these  ruins,  in  a situation  altogether  insupportable. 
Cause  me,  I beseech  thee,  to  be  transported  to  the  dungeons 
of  Caucasus,  where  I may,  at  least,  have  the  comfort  of  min- 
gling my  groans  with  those  of  my  companions  ! ’’ 

“ Genie ! ’’  answered  Habib,  ‘‘  thou  art,  indeed,  guilty  of 
many  crimes  ; yet,  as  I have  the  soul  of  a true  knight,  even  an 
enemy  may  demand  a favor  of  me ! I must,  however,  take  ad- 
vice ; and  I -will  not  return  thee  an  answer  till  I have  offered 
up  three  prayers.’’ 

Habib  was  enclosed  in  a sort  of  pit  amidst  the  rocks. 
Scarce  was  the  cloud  of  dust  dissipated,  when  he  saw  what  he 
might  have  taken  for  two  stars  over  his  head  ; they  were  the 
bright  eyes  of  Ilzaide,  the  youngest  of  the  three  daughters  of 
the  sea.  “ Are  you  then  safe,  my  prince } ” cried  she.  “ How 
happy  are  we  ! We  trembled  for  your  life  when  we  beheld  this 
mountain  tumble  on  your  head ! Lay  hold  of  my  hair,  sir. 
Fear  not  that  you  hurt  me.  I have  strength  and  resolution 
sufficient  to  sustain  your  weight.”  While  she  said  these  words, 
she  threw  down  her  long  flowing  tresses,  of  which  he  gently 
took  hold,  and  by  this  means  ascended  from  the  cavern. 

His  first  care  was  to  thank  his  benefactress.  “ I have  done 
nothing,  sir,”  said  she,  “that  merits  your  acknowledgments. 
Were  it  in  my  power,  I would  make  you  the  happiest  of 
mortals.”  She  then  lent  him  her  hand,  and  assisted  him  in 
passing  from  one  rock  to  another,  till  they  came  to  the  exterior 
rampart  of  the  steel  castle,  the  residence  of  the  genie  Nisabic. 

Scarce  were  they  arrived  at  the  outward  fosse,  when  they 
observed  the  other  daughters  of  the  sea  at  a short  distance. 
“ Come,  sisters,”  cried  Ilzaide,  “ here  he  is  ! ” Nothing  but  a 
true  and  sincere  passion  could  have  preserved  our  hero  from 
the  attacks  of  the  charming  Ilzaide,  which  were  the  more 
dangerous  as  they  were  the  effusions  of  innocence  and  pure 
simplicity  of  heart ; but  his  choice  was  fixed  by  destiny,  and 
the  beautiful  queen  had  nothing  to  fear. 

The  conquest  of  the  Green  Isle  was  not  yet  accomplished. 
The  steel  castle  was  inaccessible;  the  fortifications  were  guarded, 
the  gates  shut,  and  the  bridges  drawn  up.  I know  not,”  said 
Habib,  “ how  I shall  set  about  this  arduous  enterprise.  This 
fort  seems  impregnable  to  human  force.  I have  no  confidence 
in  my  own  powers ; the  decrees  of  fate  must  guide  my  steps. 


390 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


Perhaps,’^  continued  he,  addressing  the  three  sisters,  the  pre 
tended  submission  of  Nisabic  might  be  a snare  laid  to  bring 
me  into  new  difficulties  and  dangers,  in  which  it  would  be  im 
proper  that  you  should  partake.  Return,  then,  to  your  native 
element.  Offer  up  your  prayers  for  the  knight  of  Dorathh- 
goase  ; at  least,  let  your  absence  make  me  easy  on  your  account.'’' 
“ We  will  not  leave  you,'  answered  they.  “ We  fear  no  danger 
while  you  are  with  us.  It  you  were  by  my  side,’^  added  the 
youngest,  “ I would  brave  the  fury  of  the  tempest,  while  it  tears 
up  the  foundation  of  the  rocks  ! ’’ 

Habib  approached  the  drawbridge  with  his  cimeter  in  his 
hand.  In  the  name  of  Solomon,”  cried  he,  ‘‘  and  by  virtue  of 
his  talisman,  I command  this  bridge  to  be  let  down ! ” In  a 
moment  it  began  to  move  on  its  hinges,  descended,  and  offered 
an  easy  passage  ov(  r the  fosse.  The  hero  with  his  sabre  cut 
the  two  chains  that  served  to  raise  it,  and  entered  the  court  of 
the  fortress. 

In  the  midst  of  that  court  stood  a lofty  column,  on  the  top 
of  which  was  placed  an  iron  cage.  This  figure  was  covered 
with  talismanic  inscriptions.  On  the  bottom  was  written, 
“ T^ou  calls t not  be  destroyed  hut  by  the  power  op  Arabia  I ” 
Habib  struck  talismans  with  his  sword.  A sudden  noise 
resounded  mva  the  caverns  through  the  vaulted  roofs  of  the 
castle,  and  the  pillar  sunk  into  dust.  The  subjects  of  Dorathil- 
goase.  \^ho‘iA  the  tyrant  had  loaded  with  chains,  now  issued 
from  pheir  dungeons.  The  iron  cage  stood  on  the  earth,  and 
perceived  that  it  contained  a very  extraordinary  object 
— naked  woman,  wffiose  face  was  covered  with  her  long  hair. 

'Vho  are  you,  madam?”  asked  the  hero.  ‘‘Sir,”  answered 
f “ I pray  thee  deliver  me  from  this  prison  and  give  me  some 
/arments  that  I may  appear  with  decency  before  you.  This 
cage  is  shut  by  means  of  a talisman,  which  the  cruel  Nisabic 
dways  carries  about  with  him.  Restore  my  liberty,  and  I shall 
lever  cease  to  bless  God,  and  Mohammed,  and  yourself.” 
“You  will  not,  I hope,  forget  the  great  Solomon,”  interrupted 
\he  knight,  “ in  whose  name  I break  these  bars.”  At  the  same 
time  he  cut  them  in  pieces  with  his  sabre. 

The  three  daughters  of  the  sea  each  contributed  part  of 
their  dress  to  afford  a covering  for  the  prisoner,  so  that  she 
might  present  herself  before  the  hero  without  offence  to 
modesty.  As  soon  as  the  subjects  of  Dorathil-goase  saw  them- 
selves relieved  from  their  fetters,  they  made  haste  to  show  theii 
respect  and  attachment  to  the  unknown  lady,  by  falling  pros 
trate  at  her  feet.  Habib  expressed  his  surprise  at  this  behavior 


ARABIAAT  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS 


391 


‘‘  What  means  all  this  ? who  is  this  lady  ? ’’  asked  he.  “ Alas  ! 
sir/^  answered  they,  it  is  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses. 
She  was  our  queen  before  the  rebellion  of  Abarikaff.  She  is 
the  near  relation  of  the  fair  Dorathil-goase.’’ 

O Heaven  ! ” cried  the  Arabian  prince,  “ a queen,  the 
kinswoman  of  Dorathil-goase  ! How  shall  I be  able  to  restore 
her  to  what  she  has  lost  ’’ 

“ Nothing  can  be  easier,’’  answered  they.  ‘‘The  tyrant  has 
collected  in  his  fortress,  not  only  all  the  riches  of  our  queen, 
but  the  whole  spoil  of  the  island.  While  you  are  master  here, 
you  possess  abundance  of  treasure.  Those  poor  women  whom 
you  see  at  the  further  end  of  the  court,  and  whose  situation 
forbids  them  to  approach  you,  were  the  servants  of  our  royal 
mistress.  They  showed  too  much  attachment  to  her  after  her 
misfortunes,  and  a long  imprisonment  has  been  the  reward 
bestowed  by  the  tyrant  on  their  fidelity.” 

“ Bring  hither,”  cried  Habib,  “ all  those  who  have  been 
attached  to  the  person  of  your  queen.  Let  them  take  posses^ 
sion  of  this  palace,  which  belongs  to  her.”  “ I myself  was  in 
her  service,”  said  he  whom  he  had  formerly  addressed,  “ and 
held  a place  of  some  consequence.’"  “ Thou  mayest  resume 
it,”  returned  Habib,  “ if  your  mistress  thinks  fit.  In  the  mean 
time,  use  every  means  to  relieve  her  present  wants ; and  when 
you  have  made  her  easy,  since  you  know  this  place,  you  can 
point  out  to  me  the  most  magnificent  apartment  in  the  castle, 
that  I may  have  the  pleasure  of  conducting  her  into  it.” 

In  a moment,  all  the  servants  who  had  formed  the  house- 
hold of  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses,  were  assembled.  Habib 
presented  them  to  her,  and  at  the  same  time  begged  that  she 
would  favor  him  with  her  hand. 

“ To  you  it  belongs,”  said  she,  “ to  command  in  this  place.” 
“ Permit  me,  madam,  as  the  knight  of  Dorathil-goase,  to  have 
the  honor  of  reconducting  you  to  your  palace.” 

The  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  cast  down  her  eyes,  and 
suffered  the  hero  to  lead  her  into  the  splendid  apartment  that 
had  been  prepared  for  her  by  the  genie,  but  to  which  she  had 
preferred  the  iron  cage  she  had  just  left.  Everything  was  in 
the  most  superb  style.  A profusion  of  riches  was  accumulated 
around  her,  and  the  lady  found  no  difficulty  in  providing  suit- 
able garments  for  herself  and  her  whole  court. 

The  three  daughters  of  the  sea  followed  her,  and  as  the 
companions  of  the  Arabian  knight,  claimed  the  honor  of  being 
permitted  to  trim  her  beautiful  hair. 

“ Alas  J ” cried  she,  “ these  locks  have  been  the  cause  of 


392 


ARABIAN  N/GHTS^  ENTER  TA /NAIRN TS. 


my  misfortunes,  yet  they  have  also  been  a resource  during  my 
sufferings,  and  I do  not  regret  the  care  I have  taken  to  preserve 
them.  With  pleasure,  therefore,  I commit  them  to  your  care.” 
The  beautiful  queen  arose  from  her  toilet  with  a triple  crown 
on  her  head,  formed  of  her  braided  hair,  entwined  with  strings 
of  rubies  and  pearls,  while  two  loose  tresses  waved  gracefully 
on  her  back,  and  descended  lower  than  her  girdle. 

She  was  no  sooner  dressed  than  an  usher  entered  to  an- 
nounce that  dinner  was  ready.  She  invited  the  three  sisters  to 
dine  with  her,  and  the  gallant  Habib  led  her  into  the  hall. 
Now  was  the  Arabian  knight  seated  at  a table  with  ladies  for 
the  first  time  in  his  life  ; nor  had  he  enjoyed  a repast  that  was 
not  the  immediate  produce  of  his  own  industry  or  that  of  others, 
for  six  months  before.  The  entertainment  was  sumptuous,  for 
there  was  no  want  of  provisions  in  the  kitchens  and  stores  of 
Nisabic. 

The  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  was  in  the  flower  of  youth. 
Her  stature  was  graceful  and  majestic ; her  shape  perfectly 
handsome  ; her  bright  eyes  were  expressive  of  languor  and  keen 
sensibility  ; in  short,  it  was  impossible  to  behold  her  without 
sympathizing  with  her  misfortunes  ; and  no  heart,  but  one 
entirely  preoccupied,  could  have  resisted  her  charms.  Habib 
regarded  her  with  a look  of  tender  compassion,  and  Ilzaide 
meeting  the  glance  of  his  eye,  felt  the  sting  of  jealousy  without 
suspecting  the  cause. 

During  the  repast,  the  company  reciprocally  showed  each 
other  the  most  polite  attentions,  and  when  it  was  finished^  they 
retired  into  another  apartment.  There,  as  soon  as  they  were 
seated,  Habib  entreated  the  fair  queen  to  favor  them  with  a 
recital  of  her  ill-fortune.  The  lady,  heaving  a sigh,  and  wiping 
the  tears  from  her  lovely  eyes,  began  in  this  manner : — 

STORY  OF  ThE  LADY  OF  THE  BEAUTIFUL  TRESSES. 

My  father  swayed  the  sceptre  over  the  Green  and  the  Blue 
Isles,  under  the  favor  of  his  brother  (the  father  of  Dorathil- 
goase),  to  whom  he  annually  did  homage,  and  offered  a tribute. 
I am,  like  my  cousin,  the  only  offspring  of  a marriage  contracted 
between  a prince  and  the  daughter  of  a genie. 

Illabousatrous,  father  to  my  aunt  Camarilzaman,  and  chief 
of  the  spirits  subject  to  Solomon,  had  formed  the  project  of 
establishing  in  this  country  all  the  genii  obedient  to  that  great 
prophet.  To  prevent  their  relapse,  he  wished  them  to  intermarry 
with  the  children  of  Adam..  Many  of  them  refused  these  terms. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


393 


among  whom  were  Abarikaff,  Mokilras,  and  Nisabic.  They 
offered  many  pretended  reasons  for  their  revolt,  but  their  true 
motive  to  rebellion  was  their  ambition  4;o  possess  sovereign 
authority. 

I lost  my  parents  about  the  same  time  that  my  cousin  Dora- 
thil-goase  was  deprived  of  hers.  I saw  myself  thus  seated  on 
a throne,  under  the  guidance  of  an  old  vizier  whom  my  father 
had  chosen  for  me.  The  insolent  Nisabic,  a favorite  of  Abarb 
kaff,  became  in  love,  not  with  my  person,  but  with  these  locks 
of  hair. 

He  had  convinced  himself,  by  prognostics  drawn  from  his 
enchantments,  that,  if  he  could  espouse  me,  he  might  subject 
to  his  power  as  many  genii  as  there  are  hairs  in  my  head,  and 
that  each  individual  hair  would  serve  to  claim  one  genie. 

The  monster  had  the  audacity  to  communicate  to  me  his 
extravagant  project,  and  to  represent,  by  way  of  inducing  me 
to  comply,  the  great  power  I might  by  this  means  enjoy.  I 
rejected  his  offers  with  disdain,  and  bestowed  my  hand  on  the 
young  prince  Dalilsha,  who  alre  ady  possessed  my  heart.  Scarce 
were  we  united,  when  the  rebellion  of  Abarikalf  was  declared. 
He  drew  into  his  revolt  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  Black  Isle, 
over  whom  he  had  been  placed  as  vizier.  Legions  of  rebel 
spirits  came  to  join  his  standard,  from  the  most  distant  parts 
of  the  earth.  Illabousatrous  and  his  granddaughter  could 
scarcely  maintain  their  ground  in  the  Island  of  Medinaz-il-bal- 
lor  ; nor  could  they  afford  the  smallest  aid  to  those  who  were 
subdued  by  Mokilras  and  Nisabic,  under  the  authority  of 
Abarikaff. 

Dalilsha,  my  husband,  was  sent  prisoner  to  the  Black  Isle, 
where  the  traitor  Abarikaff  kept  him  as  a hostage,  while  the 
wicked  Nisabic  again  renewed  to  me  the  offer  of  his  odious 
hand. 

“ My  queen,”  said  he,  your  hand  is  now  disengaged,  nor 
can  you  reserve  it  for  my  slave.  It  belongs,  in  right,  to  the 
conqueror.”  “ Vile  rebel,”  cried  I,  “ the  malignant  stars  that 
iiave  favored  thee  will,  one  day,  receive  the  punishment  due  to 
their  crimes.”  He  retired  in  a rage,  and  shut  me  up  a prisoner 
in  my  palace.  Every  day  he  renewed  his  importunities,  which 
I constantly  repelled  with  the  utmost  contempt ; but,  blinded 
as  he  was  by  the  horoscope  he  had  drawn,  he  still  continued 
to  require  my  hand  in  the  most  imperious  tone. 

At  last,  when  he  found  he  had  nothing  to  hope  from  en- 
treaties or  commands,  he  determined  to  employ  the  most  ter- 
rible severities  against  me.  I threatened  to  pull  out  the  fatal 


394 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMEN7S. 


hairs  by  the  roots.  “ I shall  soon  prevent  that/’  cried  he , 
“ they  shall  henceforth  be  your  only  resource.” 

The  monster  them  enclosed  me  in  the  iron  cage  from  which 
you  delivered  me.  In  my  miserable  captivity,  my  life  was  sus- 
tained by  his  enchantments.  I was  allowed  no  food  but  air, 
no  drink  but  my  tears ; my  hair  was  my  only  protection  against 
the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  the  only  covering  that  remained 
to  conceal  my  confusion,  exposed,  naked  as  I was  to  the  eyes 
of  so  many  spectators.  Thus  did  he  force  me  to  preserve 
these  locks,  which  were  the  source  of  my  misfortunes,  and  the 
object  of  his  vain  hopes. 

Each  morning  he  came  to  the  bottom  of  the  pillar  and 
asked  if  I was  weary  of  suffering,  and  would  now  consent  to 
give  him  my  hand  ? I entreated  that  he  might  permit  me  to 
die.  He  answered  me  by  sprinkling  some  water  from  his  hand 
into  the  air.  “ Live,  suffer,  weep,  comb  your  hair  with  your 
fingers  ! ” cried  he,  with  an  air  of  cruel  triumph.  Every  night 
he  urged  me  to  come  to  his  bed,  repeating  the  same  words. 

This,  brave  knight,  is  my  sad  history.  It  is  impossible  foi 
me  to  guess  how  long  my  sufferings  have  endured,  as  I was 
continually  absorbed  in  melancholy  reflections.  You  have  in 
some  measure  relieved  me  from  my  troubles  ; but,  separated 
as  I am  from  a husband  whom  I tenderly  love,  and  afflicted 
with  the  idea  of  the  torments  to  which  he  is,  without  doubt, 
subjected,  I cannot  taste  the  joy  which  the  sight  of  my  deliverer 
and  my  happy  change  of  fortune  would  otherwise  inspire  ! 

When  she  had  ceased  to  speak,  the  lady  of  the  beautiful 
tresses  burst  into  tears,  and,  by  a sort  of  involuntary  motion, 
which  had  become  habitual  to  her,  put  her  fingers  into  her  hair 
as  if  to  comb  it. 

Habib  had  never  before  had  an  opportunity  of  commisera- 
tmg  the  sufferings  of  others.  The  recital  of  the  lady’s  disgrace 
inspired  him  with  a feeling  altogether  new  to  his  mind.  His  soul 
was  moved,  and  he  shed  a torrent  of  tears.  Ilzaide  began  to  sob 
so  heavily  that  she  was  obliged  to  rise  from  her  seat  and  go  out. 
Her  eldest  sister  followed  her.  “ What  is  the  matter,  Ilzaide  ? ” 
asked  she  ; “why  don’t  you  contain  yourself  before  the  com- 
pany?” “I  cannot,”  answered  the  younger  sister;  “that 
lady’s  story  has  too  deeply  affected  our  Arabian  knight.  You 
are  not  like  me,  sister  ; I can’t  bear  that  he  should  suffer  the 
smallest  degree  of  pain.”  While  she  talked  in  this  manner, 
she  was  reconducted  to  her  place. 

The  fedy  of  the  beautiful  tresses,  observing  the  uneasiness 
of  the  company  on  her  account,  composed  herself  ; and  Habib, 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


395 

as  soon  as  he  had  mastered  his  o\^ emotions,  addressed  her  in 
this  manner : 

Madam,”  said  he,  I swear  by  the  sacred  cimeter  with 
which  I am  intrusted,  that  your  husband  shall  be  restored  to 
you,  and  that  I will  avenge  the  injuries  done  to  Dorathil-goase 
and  yourself,  till  the  last  of  your  enemies  are  exterminated  ! 

If  I may  credit  the  word  of  Nisabic,  he  already,  in  part, 
suffers  the  punishment  due  to  his  abominable  crimes,  by  being 
at  this  moment  buried  under  the  vast  heap  of  rocks  with  which 
he  wished  to  overwhelm  me.  I am  more  than  avenged  for  all 
the  evil  he  intended  me.  But  Heaven,  Dorathil-goase,  and 
yourself,  madam,  call  for  more  ample  vengeance.  Let  us  go 
together  to  the  foot  of  these  rocks  under  which  he  expected  to 
crush  me.  I will  employ  for  his  punishment  the  very  means 
his  horoscope  pointed  out  to  him  as  the  fittest  to  subject  others 
to  his  power. 

Deign  to  accompany  me,  madam,  that  I may,  under  the 
protection  of  Heaven,  put  an  end  to  your  troubles,  and  afford 
you  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  your  injuries  revenged.” 

He  then  went  out,  followed  by  the  lady  of  the  beautiful 
tresses  and  the  three  sisters,  and  advanced  to  the  vast  pile  oi 
rocks,  which  now  stopped  up  the  passage  between  the  ramparts 
of  the  castle  and  the  shore. 

When  they  arrived  on  the  spot,  Habib  struck  the  rods 
thrice  with  the  cimeter,  and  pronounced,  with  a loud  voice 
“ Nisabic  ! if  thou  dost  still  groan  under  these  rocks,  give  a 
sign  ; it  is  the  Arabian  knight  who  calls  thee  ! ” At  that  mo 
ment  the  enormous  mass  of  stones  began  to  heave,  and  a dread  - 
ful groan  was  heard.  The  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  knew 
the  voice,  and  trembled  at  the  sound. 

Rebel  genie,”  resumed  Habib,  “ I am  still  ignorant  o; 
many  crimes  you  may  have  committed  ; but  before  I can  seno 
thee  to  expiate  them  in  the  caverns  of  Caucasus,  thou  must  be 
humbled  in  the  presence  of  a queen  whom  thou  hast  basely 
insulted ! ” 

When  he  had  said  this  to  the  genie,  he  next  addressed  him- 
self to  the  queen.  “Madam,”  said  he,  “this  impious  spirit 
wished  to  make  use  of  your  hair  for  the  purpose  of  subjecting 
to  his  power  other  beings  like  himself.  It  wall  be  proper  to 
punish  his  foolish  ambition  by  the  very  means  he  hoped  to 
employ  in  satisfying  it.” 

Habib  again  struck  the  rock,  and  cried  out,  “ Guilty  wretch  \ 
thou  shalt  have  three  of  those  hairs  you  so  eagerly  desired  ; 
but  they  shall  become  chains  of  iron  on  thy  neck,  thy  hands. 


AJiAB/AAf  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


396 

and  thy  feet.’’  He  then  threw  the  hairs  into  the  air,  pronounc- 
ing with  a firm  and  solemn  tone  of  voice  ; “ Noble  creatures  of 
God  ! spirits  who  watch  over  the  elements  ! servants  of  Moham- 
med, and  friends  of  Solomon  ! chain  this  criminal,  throw  him  at 
the  feet  of  her  whom  he  hath  offended,  and  then  bear  him 
hence  to  the  dungeons  of  Caucasus  ! ” 

Dreadful  shrieks  were  heard,  the  rocks  opened,  and  Nisabic 
came  forth,  loaded  with  chains.  He  stood  for  an  instant 
humbly  bending  his  head  to  the  earth,  before  the  lady  of  the 
beautiful  tresses,  and  suddenly  disappeared. 

While  the  hideous  monster  was  presented  to  their  view, 
Ilzaide  concealed  herself  behind  the  knight.  The  fair  queen 
could  not  restrain  her  emotions  of  fear  and  disgust.  Take 
courage,  madam,”  said  Habib,  ^‘you  see  that  your  hair  is  a 
precious  treasure.  It  shall,  this  very  night,  free  you  from  all 
your  enemies  that  remain  shut  up  in  the  prisons  of  this  castle, 
and  whose  poisonous  breath  infects  the  air.  The  same  means 
will  be  effectual  against  those  who  are  lurking  about  this  island, 
in  hopes  of  escaping  my  vengeance.  Nor  is  this  all.  I here 
see  a certain  and  easy  method  of  subjecting  the  whole  rebel 
genii  in  the  Blue  Island^  without  the  trouble  of  going  in  pursuit 
of  them.  I hope,  also,  to  see  your  powerful  hairs  prevail 
against  the  tyrant  Abarikaff  himself ; and  thus  will  the  horo- 
scope be  verified  at  the  cost  of  your  enemies  and  those  of  Dora- 
thil-goase,  which  foretold,  that  ‘ your  locks  should  furnish  chains 
for  legions  of  genii.’  You  need  not  be  sparing  of  your  hair, 
madam  ; yield  to  the  call  of  destiny,  and  whatever  you  give 
away  will  be  amply  replaced.” 

The  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  returned  to  her  chamber, 
and  the  three  sisters  attended  at  her  toilet  to  undress  her. 
Confident  in  the  wisdom  and  virtue  of  the  knight,  she  plucked 
out  a whole  handful  of  her  hair,  and  gloried  in  the  thought  of 
its  being  so  nobly  employed.  Ilzaide  received  the  prize  from 
her  hand,  and  flew  with  it  to  the  hero.  Habib  then  went  to 
the  gates  of  the  prisons  and  performed  the  necessary  t:ere- 
monies,  and  all  the  rebel  spirits  were,  at  his  command,  instantly 
transported  to  the  dungeons  of  Caucasus. 

He  next  mounted  on  the  terrace  at  the  top  of  the  castle, 
scattered  a portion  of  the  hair  ‘nto  the  air,  and  invoked  the 
slaves  of  the  prophet,  commanding  them  to  give  the  charm 
effect  against  all  their  remaining  enemies  in  the  Green  Isle,  and 
also  against  those  who  were  in  possession  of  the  Blue  Isle. 
He  heard  a confused  sound  of  distant  groans,  which  assured 
him  of  the  success  of  his  operation. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


397 


He  indulged  a mementos  reflection  on  what  he  had  done : 

Were  I now  to  stand  before  thee,  my  dear  II  Haboul,  I might 
appear  less  humbled  than  formerly ; but  I could  not  be  vain. 

“ The  words  have  passed  from  my  lips,  and  miracles  have 
followed.  I have  conquered — shall  I glory  in  my  strength  ? 
My  words  are  but  a breath  ! my  strength  but  as  one  of  these 
hairs  I hold  in  my  hand  While  he  said  this,  he  carefully 
put  into  his  bosom  the  remaining  lock  of  the  lady’s  precious 
hair,  and  returned  to  the  hall  to  join  his  company. 

Be  not  uneasy,  madam,’’  said  he  as  he  entered  ; “ you  are 
delivered  from  your  enemies.  My  destiny  and  my  duty  require 
that  I should  leave  you  to-morrow ; but  if  Heaven  shall  favor 
my  arms,  you  may  rest  assured  that  I will  not  lose  sight  of  my 
dearest  interests.  To-morrow  I shall  have  the  honor  to  bear 
thy  commands  to  the  Blue  Isle.  I must  carry  with  me  the 
amiable  companions  of  my  labors.  I have  yet  two  seas  to  pass  ; 
and  I may  still  have  need  of  their  kind  assistance  in  a country 
where  the  tyrants  have  destroyed  every  means  of  navigation.” 

The  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  was  sorry  to  part  so  soon 
with  the  young  hero,  to  whom  she  owed  her  deliverance  ; but 
she  thought  it  her  duty  to  yield  to  a request  in  the  motive  of 
which  she  was  deeply  interested.  They  took  leave  of  each 
other  with  every  testimony  of  the  most  perfect  esteem. 

At  the  earliest  dawn,  Habib  with  his  fair  companions  de- 
parted. The  raft  flew  over  the  waves,  and  reached  the  shore 
of  the  Blue  Isles  before  mid-day.  The  inhabitants  were  assem- 
bled to  testify  their  joy  at  their  sudden  and  unexpected  deliv- 
erance. Their  oppressors  had  been  vanquished  and  carried  off 
before  their  eyes,  yet  they-  knew  not  by  whom. 

Habib,  on  his  arrival,  increased  their  satisfaction  by  inform- 
ing them  of  the  happy  deliverance  of  their  queen.  As  they  were 
the  neighbors  of  the  Black  Isle,  he  made  inquiry  as  to  what 
had  passed  there,  and  what  success  Abarikaff  had  had  in  his  at- 
tack on  the  isle  that  still  remained  faithful  to  Dorathilgoase. 

‘‘  Sir,”  answered  the  inhabitants,  “ ever  since  the  rebels 
have  had  possession  of  this  isle,  there  has  not  been  even  a 
fishing-boat  seen  on  our  coast.  By  their  nature  they  could 
communicate  with  each  other  through  the  air ; but  we  were  de- 
prived of  every  means  of  intercourse  with  other  human  beings. 
We  were  not  permitted  to  leave  the  shore,  and  we  could  learn 
nothing  of  what  happened  elsewhere.  Whether  owing  to  a near 
or  distant  storm,  we  cannot  tell,  but  the  arm  of  the  sea  that 
flows  between  the  islands,  has,  within  these  few  days,  become 
much  blacker  than  usual.  The  waves  are  constantly  agitated 


398  ARABIAN'  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

though  no  wind  nor  current  is  perceptible.  We  are  of  opinion 
that  the  passage  hence  to  the  Black  Isle  has  become  extremely 
dangerous,  though  we  cannot  explain  the  cause.  Indeed,  the 
dread  of  the  tyrant  has  prevented  every  inquiry  of  that  sort. 

The  Arabian  hero,  resolving  to  see  with  his  own  eyes  next 
morning,  the  dangers  they  had  described  to  him,  accepted  their 
hospitable  invitation  ; and,  without  communicating  anything 
of  his  design,  cheerfully  partook  of  their  amusements  and  fes- 
tivity. 

He  arose  before  the  return  of  day,  mounted  his  raft,  and 
coasted  along  the  Blue  Isle,  till  he  had  passed  its  limits.  He 
then  attempted  to  enter  the  strait  which  separates  it  from  the 
Black  Isle,  but  the  waves  were  so  furiously  agitated  that  the 
dolphins  took  fright,  and  ran  ashore  on  the  Blue  Isle. 

Habib  in  vain  struck  the  waves  with  his  sabre,  and  even 
pronounced  the  awful  word  which  had  dissolved  all  other 
enchantments,  without  effect.  The  charms  against  which  he 
now  contended  did  not  act  in  the  air,  and  the  means  by  which 
his  raft  was  thrown  ashore  were  perfectly  natural,  though  the 
remote  cause  was  not  so. 

Vast  fishes  and  marine  monsters,  collected  from  all  the 
neighboring  seas,  were  assembled  in  this  strait  to  oppose  the 
passage  of  our  hero.  The  waves  being  loaded  by  their  enor- 
mous bodies,  were  thrown  into  such  commotion,  that  a large 
vessel  might  have  been  overset  by  the  surge.  The  perturbed 
waters,  in  short,  exhibited  the  most  hideous  spectacle.  The 
daughters  of  the  sea,  accustomed  as  they  were  to  the  sight  of 
the  monstrous  inhabitants  of  the  deep,  and  notwithstanding  the 
presence  of  the  brave  knight,  could  not  resist  the  terror  of  a 
sight  so  new  and  so  strange.  They  fled  with  precipitation  to 
the  land,  and  put  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  Ara- 
bian prince,  who  stood  motionless,  absorbed  in  thought. 

“ What  danger  can  this  be,  that  has  frightened  the  dolphins 
and  the  daughters  of  the  sea  ? What  charm  has  resisted  the 
tremendous  word  I have  pronounced  1 The  sword  of  Solomon 
is  useless  in  the  hands  of  him  who  has. not  his  wisdom.  My 
dear  II  Haboul,' where  art  thou?  Inspire  me,  I beseech  thee. 
Dangers  must  be  met,  and  closely  examined.  Means  are  to 
be  tried,  that  we  may  judge  of  their  nature. 

‘‘  Sword  of  Solomon,  open  to  me  a passage  through  the 
abyss  of  the  sea,  or  bear  me,  if  it  be  needful,  upon  its  raging 
billows.’^ 

The  hero,  while  he  spoke  thus,  stood  upon  the  pinnacle  of 
a high  rock,  from  which  he  threw  himself  headlong  into  the  saa. 


ARABIA  AT  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS 


399 


Monstrous  fishes  crowded  around  him,  but  without  doing  him 
the  smallest  injury.  Wherever  he  struck  with  his  vCimeter, 
death  followed  the  blow.  His  track  was  marked  with  blood  ; 
but  the  number  of  fishes  seemed  still  to  increase.  They  pressed 
upon  him  in  every  direction,  being  confined  by  the  barriers 
that  prevented  their  escape. 

The  warrior  covered  the  sea  with  the  dead  bodies  of  the 
monsters,  and  fatigued  himself  in  vain,  while  the  scaly  legions 
that  surrounded  him  seemed  every  moment  reinforced.  At 
last  he  raised  his  head  above  the  heaps  of  slain  that  floated 
about  him.  “ In  the  name  of  Solomon,”  cried  he,  ‘‘  by  what- 
ever charm  these  fishes  are  confined  here,  let  it  be  destroyed, 
and  let  them  be  dispersed  through  the  vast  regions  of  the 
deep  ! ” 

This  command  was  followed  with  immediate  effect.  A 
tumultuous  motion  of  the  waves  announced  the  retreat  of  the 
aquatic  animals,  and  the  whole  crowd  instantly  disappeared. 
Habib,  now  swimming  amidst  a calm  sea,  only  saw  about  him 
the  dead  fishes  that  lay  motionless  on  the  water.  Whatever 
possessed  life  had  escaped.  The  three  sisters  beheld  what 
passed,  from  the  summit  of  a rock.  Ilzaide  cried  out  with 
terror  as  often  as  she  observed  the  sea  stained  with  blood  ; but 
when  she  saw  the  arm  and  the  sword  of  the  hero  above  water, 
“ Thank  Heaven  1 ” cried  she,  ‘‘  that  blood  is  none  of  his  ! ” 
The  sea  was  now  smooth,  and  she  observed  that  the  knight 
directed  his  course  towards  the  opposite  shore.  See,”  cried 
Ilzaide,  ‘‘  see,  he  attempts  to  brave  the  waves,  and  cross  the 
sea  by  swimming ; he  will  certainly  perish.”  She  plunged  into 
the  water,  that  she  might  fly  to  his  aid.  Her  sisters  called  to 
her  in  vain,  and  at  last  threw  themselves  into  the  sea  after 
her.  Nor  were  they  her  only  followers ; two  dolphins,  who  had 
been  disentangled  from  the  raft,  and  who  delighted  to  sport 
around  their  young  mistress,  were  at  her  side.  The  tranquil 
waters  opposed  not  the  course  of  such  dexterous  swimmers, 
and  they  proceeded  with  astonishing  rapidity. 

Ilzaide  expected  soon  to  reach  the  object  of  her  anxiety^ 
and  offer  him  assistance ; but  in  a moment  the  hero  plunged 
under  the  water,  and  disappeared.  She  dived  at  the  same 
time,  and  witnessed  the  horrible  conflict. 

Habib  was  now  engaged  with  Abarikaff  himself,  who  had 
entered  into  the  body  of  a whale,  and  exerted  his  utmost  efforts. 
When  the  hero  advanced,  the  prodigious  animal  opened  its 
enormous  jaws,  and  poured  forth  a torrent  of  water  which 
seemed  to  overwhelm  him  ; but  Habib  soon  appeared  above 


400 


ARABIAAT  mCHTS^  EN’TERTAINMEArTS, 


the  waves,  and  leaping  on  the  back  of  the  monster,  with  his  ir- 
resistible cimeter  pierced  the  heart  of  the  vast  animated  mass 
with  which  he  contended. 

The  huge  monster  began  to  struggle,  covering  the  sea  with 
blood  and  froth,  and  in  an  instant  sunk  to  the  bottom.  Habib, 
unable  to  breathe  in  the  watery  element,  was  forced  to  rise  to 
the  surface,  but  he  still  followed  the  bloody  track  of  his 
wounded  enemy.  When  his  strength  was  nearly  exhausted, 
Ilzaide  came  up  to  him  : “ Brave  knight,’’  cried  she,  “ mount 
on  one  of  these  dolphins.  You  are  too  adventurous.  How  is 
it  possible  that  you,  whose  nature  is  no  more  than  human, 
should  thus  risk  yourself  in  the  open  sea  and  do  as  you  have 
done  ! ” 

The  Arabian  prince  thanked  Heaven  for  its  protection,  and 
for  the  aid  now  sent  him.  He  followed  the  advice  of  Ilzaide, 
and  seated  on  the  dolphin,  observed  at  his  ease  the  conse- 
quences of  the  terrible  combat,  in  which  he  had  been  victorious. 
When  Abarikaff  attacked  the  hero,  he  was  attended  by  other 
rebel  genii,  accomplices  of  his  crimes,  who  had  assumed  hideous 
forms  like  his  own.  But  his  danger  made  the  others  betake 
themselves  to  flight. 

Struck  with  terror,  they  only  thought  of  making  their  escape. 
They  endeavored  to  leave  the  bodies  of  those  whales,  sword- 
fishes, sharks,  and  sea-lions,  of  which  they  had  taken  posses- 
sion by  their  enchantment,  but  a more  potent  charm  retained 
them.  It  was  the  hair  of  the  fair  queen,  of  which  Habib  had 
thrown  a portion  into  the  sea,  in  a moment  of  enthusiasm. 
“ May  those  hairs,”  cried  he,  bind  as  many  slaves  to  God,  in 
the  name  of  Solomon,  as  the  wicked  Nisabic  hoped  to  subject 
by  their  means  to  his  own  power  ! ” 

The  charm  attached  to  these  hairs  had  operated,  and  from 
that  moment  the  genii  were  held  captives  in  the  bodies  of  the 
monsters  into  which  they  had  entered. 

The  whale  possessed  by  Abarikaff,  exhausted  by  the  loss 
of  its  blood,  now  lay  without  motion  on  the  surface  of  the 
water,  and  appeared  like  a floating  island.  The  Arabian 
knight  sprang  from  his  dolphin,  and  mounted  on  the  back  of 
his  vanquished  enemy,  where  he  gave  thanks  to  God  for  his 
victory. 

“ My  confidence,”  cried  he,  ‘‘  is  in  thee  alone  ! I fear  not  to 
plunge  into  the  abysses  of  the  deep.  Even  there  hast  thou  thus 
opened  my  eyes,  and  given  strength  to  my  arm  ! I have  attacked 
this  enormous  monster^  and  my  sword  has  pierced  his  heart. 
When  my  powers  sunk  under  fatigue,  thou  didst  send  me  relief. 


AI^ABIAJV  mC/ITS^  EJVTERTA/mfEJVTS,  4,^^ 

X child  in  thy  hand  is  more  powerful  than  a legion  of  the 
wicked ! ” 

Ilzaide,  emboldened  by  the  sight  of  the  valiant  prince,  leaped 
also  on  the  back  of  the  vast  fish.  Her  sisters  came  up,  attended 
by  six  other  dolphins,  and  were  prevailed  on  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  Ilzaide. 

In  the  mean  time  the  enormous  mass  which  bore  them  was 
driven  along  the  current  of  the  tide,  and  passed  the  channel 
which  led  to  the  Black  Isles.  Habib,  after  receiving  with 
modesty  the  congratulations  of  his  companions  on  his  recent 
victories,  asked  them  what  country  it  was  he  discerned  in  the 
edge  of  the  horizon.  It  is  the  isle  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor,’^ 
said  the  eldest  sister,  ‘‘  in  the  capital  of  which  dwells  our 
amiable  queen,  Dorathil-goase.'^ 

At  hearing  this  discourse,  Habib  could  not  contain  his  joy. 

How,’'  cried  he,  ‘‘  do  I then  at  last  behold  that  long  looked- 
for  country  ? How  happy  would  I be  could  I conduct  the  mon- 
ster under  our  feet  into  the  port  of  your  queen.  What  an 
agreeable  sight  it  might  afford  her;  for  I believe  the  rebel 
Abarikaff  lies  chained  in  the  belly  of  this  whale.” 

Your  wish  may  be  accomplished,”  said  the  eldest  of  the 
three  sisters  ; though  the  raft  will  be  rather  unwiel^.  We 
will  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea  in  search  of  marine  "plants,  of 
which  we  may  form  a harness  to  yoke  our  dolphins.”  In  a 
moment  they  plunged  into  the  water  and  disappeared. 

By  their  address  and  activity  they  soon  obtained  what  they 
nought.  The  dolphins  were  yoked,  and  the  body  of  the  whale, 
no  longer  impelled  by  the  current,  now  took  its  course  towards 
the  harbor  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor. 

Heavy  groans  issued  from  the  bowels  of  the  enormous  car- 
cass, with  a hollow  sound  resembling  the  rushing  of  the  waves 
when  they  are  dashed  into  some  profound  cavern  of  the  rocks 
on  the  shore.  Abarikaff  saw  himself  about  to  be  delivered  up 
to  the  vengeance  of  Illabousatrous  and  Dorathil-goase,  from 
whom  he  expected  no  mercy. 

In  the  meantime  the  huge  mass  which  approached  the  shore 
of  the  isle  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor,  attracted  the  notice  of  Ilbacca- 
ras,  whose  office  it  was  to  keep  watch  over  all  the  territories  of 
Dorathil-goase  adjacent  to  the  coast  of  the  Black  Isle.  That 
vizier,  transformed  into  a bird,  had  taken  his  station  on  the 
middle  region  of  the  island,  the  inferior  parts  of  the  country 
being  infested  by  parties  of  the  rebels.  He  observed  some 
commotion  in  the  sea,  but  could  not,  on  account  of  the  distance 
discover  the  cause  He.  however  saw  what  appeared  like  , 


402 


Aj^ABIAN  mGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


point,  detach  itself  and  float  on  the  water.  He  ventured  to 
descend  from  his  post,  and  was  surprised  to  find  that  the  air 
was  entirely  free ; yet  he  was  still  suspicious  of  some  secret 
snare,  and  approached  with  great  caution  towards  the  earth. 
All  the  vapors  that  had  covered  the  coast  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor, 
and  the  neighboring  sea,  had  now  retired  to  the  Black  Isle, 
which  seemed  overwhelmed  by  the  thick  cloud. 

By  degrees  the  small  point  seemed  to  extend  as  it  approached 
them,  and  at  last  it  appeared  like  a floating  isle,  capable  of 
choking  up  the  harbor  of  Medinaz  -Il-ballor.  Nor  did  this  island 
seem  uninhabited,  though  otherwise  entirely  barren.  On  mak- 
ing this  discovery,  he  instantly  flew  to  inform  Dorathil-goase 
of  what  he  had  seen. 

‘‘  Great  queen,”  cried  he,  “ I come  to  inform  you,  that  I 
have  just  now  observed  some  extraordinary  appearances  on  the 
sea  that  separates  us  from  the  Black  Isle.  Early  this  morning 
I perceived  a great  commotion  in  the  waves,  which  was  not  oc- 
casioned by  the  winds,  for  they  moved  in  an  opposite  direction, 
An  island,  soon  after,  arose  from  the  bosom  of  the  deep,  which 
has  continued  to  advance,  by  what  means  I know  not,  towards 
your  port.  It  is  of  a size  sufficient  to  fill  up  the  whole  harbor ; 
and  I saw  on  its  surface  beings  of  a human  form.  Besides, 
Abarikaff  has  removed  all  his  sentinels  from  their  posts.  The 
whole  force  of  the  enemy  has  retired  to  the  Black  Isle,  which 
seems  involved  in  darkness. 

This  floating  isle  may  be  intended  to  promote  some  new 
stratagem  of  the  enemy,  which  he  has  artfully  concealed  under 
an  appearance  not  very  alarming.  At  any  rate,  since  this  must 
be  the  work  of  enchantment,  you  ought  to  take  every  measure 
your  prudence  can  suggest  to  guard  against  its  effects.” 

Dorathil-goase  commanded  that  her  two  ministers  and  her 
grandfather  should  be  informed  of  this  affair.  In  an  instant 
the  coast  was  covered  with  all  the  warriors  of  the  island. 

Illabousatrous  assembled  all  the  genii  that  remained  faithful 
to  him,  that  he  might  be  enabled  to  repel  the  attacks  of  Abari- 
kaff and  the  other  wicked  spirits  which  had  joined  in  his  revolt. 
Every  preparation  was  made  in  the  city  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor 
for  the  most  vigorous  defence,  in  case  the  vast  mass  which  ap- 
proached should  contain  a numerous  army  of  hostile  spirits 
ready  to  be  poured  forth  on  their  coast. 

Habib,  whose  eyes  were  constantly  fixed  on  the  place  where 
he  hoped  to  see  the  charming  object  of  his  love,  soon  guessed  the 
cause  of  the  warlike  preparations  he  remarked  on  the  shore. 
As  they  entered  the  road  of  Medinaz,  they  happened  to  pass 


AJ^A^rAAr  mcr-TT.r  EJVTERTAIArMENT^ 


40> 

/lear  a small  island  covered  with  mangroves."^  The  young 
prince  cut  a branch  with  his  cimeter,  and  presented  it  to 
Ilzaide.  ‘‘  Go/’  said  he,  “charming  maid  ! carry  this  branch  as 
an  ensign  of  peace,  and  demand  an  audience  of  the  queen  Do- 
rathil-goase ; tell  her  that  an  Arabian  knight,  whose  life  is  de- 
voted to  her  service,  entreats  her  permission  to  throw  himself 
at  her  feet.’’ 

Ilzaide  took  the  branch,  and  dived  into  the  sea.  She  halted 
to  adjust  her  dress  under  a rock  that  protected  the  mouth  of 
the  harbor.  She  then  emerged  from  the  water,  displaying  the 
mangrove  branch  in  her  hand,  and  required  the  guard  to  con- 
duct her  into  the  presence  of  the  queen.  It  is  impossible  to 
describe  the  transports  of  joy  with  which  Dorathil-goase  received 
the  message  of  the  fair  ambassadress.  Her  first  minister, 
however,  restrained  her  from  flying  to  the  shore,  as  she  intend- 
ed. “ Madam,”  said  he,  “ your  enemy  knows  that  your  destiny 
promises  you  a deliverer  from  Arabia;  this  may  be  a plot 
conducted  under  the  mask  of  innocence  and  simplicity.  The 
vehicle  which  brings  your  knight  appears  very  suspicious. 
Suffer  me  to  put  some  questions  to  his  ambassadress. 

Young  daughter  of  the  sea  ! (for  such  you  are  from  your 
appearance,)  canst  thou  tell  us  by  what  means  the  knight  who 
has  sent  you  proposes  to  arrive  on  our  island  ? He  cannot  come 
ashore  on  his  floating  island  vdthout  overwhelming  our  harbor. 

“Then  you  take  for  an  island,”  answered  Ilzaide,  “ that 
great  ugly  whale  which  I saw  him  kill ; and  on  the  back  of 
which  my  two  sisters  and  I mounted  along  with  him  ! He  told 
us,  that  that  enormous  monster  was  the  queen’s  greatest  enemy, 
and  he  wished  to  present  him  to  her.’' 

“ And  dost  thou  not  recognize  Habib  by  this  exploit  ? ” 
asked  the  queen  eagerly,  addressing  herself  to  her  minister. 

“ Not  yet,  madam,”  answered  he  ; “ Abarikaff  may  come 
and  take  possession  of  your  port  under  the  form  of  a whale, 
that  he  may  subject  you  to  his  power,  and  afterwards  give  you 
laws  in  his  own  name.” 

“ Abarikaff ! ” repeated  Ilzaide  with  vivacity  ; “ he  and  his 
vile  crew  have  done  us  much  mischief  ; but  I hope  he  shall  do 
us  no  more.  I believe  it  is  himself  who  groans  in  the  belly  of 
the  whale — at  least  the  hero  says  so.” 

“ And  pray  thee,  young  woman,  who  is  the  hero  ? ” 

“ It  is  he,”  answered  Ilzaide,  with  a degree  of  enthusiasm, 

♦ The  mangrove,  or  mangle,  is  a^  beautiful  marine  plant  or  tree,  common  in  the  East 
Indies.  It  rises  to  the  height  of  forty  or  fifty  feet,  and  only  grows  in  such  places  as  are 
'cashed  by  the  tide  twice  a day.  The  bark  of  a particular  species  is  much  used  for  making 
iopes. 


404 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


— ‘‘it  is  he  who  killed  the  monstrous  shark  Racachik,  his  son 
the  tiger,  and  the  huge  giant  clad  in  steel  armor  ! It  is  he  who 
delivered  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  \ he,  in  short,  who 
has  vanquished  all  the  monsters  that  oppressed  us.  Whatever 
he  performed  he  did  in  the  name  of  our  queen  Dorathil-goase. 
My  sisters  call  him  a hero  ; I know  not  what  that  means  ; but 
if  you  loved  him  half  as  much  as  I do,  you  would  fly  this 
moment  to  meet  him  ! ’’ 

Dorathil-goase,  notwithstanding  her  anxiety,  could  not  help 
smiling  at  this  sally  of  simplicity  uttered  in  praise  of  the  idol 
of  her  soul.  “ Take  your  flight,^'  said  she  to  Ilbaccaras,  “ and 
present  yourself  before  Habib  in  your  natural  form.  Cause 
him  to  be  commodiously  conducted  hither  by  two  of  your  genii  • 
and  take  care  to  have  the  whale  dragged  out  upon  the  sand.” 

“ My  sisters,”  said  Ilzaide,  “ have  always  attended  the  hero  ; 
I pray  you,  madam,  let  them  come  along  with  him,  they  would 
be  sorry  to  part  from  him.” 

“ Yes,  my  dear  girl,”  answered  the  queen,  “ let  them  come. 
Your  sisters  shall  be  as  welcome  as  yourself ; you  shall  each 
of  you  be  received  with  kindness.” 

Ilbaccaras  departed,  and  was  satisfied  to  find  that  the  fair 
ambassadress  remained  as  a hostage.  He  could  now  no  longer 
doubt  the  truth  of  her  report. 

Illabousatrous  arrived.  “ I have  this  moment  been  assured, 
my  dear  child,”  cried  he,  “ that  you  are  about  to  receive  your 
Arabian  knight,  your  deliverer,  who  has  restored  to  you  all 
the  dominions  you  have  lost,  and  re-established  your  authority.” 

The  young  queen  felt  such  an  ecstasy  of  joy  that  she  could 
scarcely  contain  her  emotions.  She  commanded  her  vizier, 
and  requested  her  grandfather,  to  give  the  necessary  orders  for 
the  triumphant  reception  of  her  knight,  her  avenger,  her  lover, 
her  husband.  She  made  Ilzaide  recount  to  her  all  the  circum- 
stances of  his  adventures.  During  the  recital  she  was  alter- 
nately agitated  with  transports  of  joy  and  emotions  of  tenderness. 

Ilbaccaras  had  now  met  the  hero.  He  proposed  to  carry 
him  immediately  into  the  queen’s  palace.  “ My  duty  and  my 
regard  to  her  interests,”  said  Habib,  “ still  demand  my  presence 
for  a few  moments.  You  may  drag  the  whale  ashore;  but  I 
must  be  present  while  you  do  so.  My  impatience  has,  on  a 
former  occasion,  led  me  into  an  error ; I must  now  guard 
against  it.  I suspect  that  the  cruel  enemy  of  your  queen  still 
lies  in  the  bowels  of  the  monster  he  had  raised  up  against  me. 
I must  be  assured  that  his  power  is  destroyed,  in  order  to  acquit 
myself  of  my  duty  as  the  servant  of  Solomon,  as  well  as  to 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


405 


;5ecure  the  peace  of  your  sovereign.’'  Ilbaccaras  caused  the 
whale  to  be  drawn  to  a sloping  part  of  the  shore,  where  by  re- 
doubled efforts,  it  was  at  last  brought  to  land.  Habib  approached 
it,  and  spoke  thus  with  a firm  tone  : “ Vile  enemy  of  God  ! ” 
said  he,  addressing  the  monster,  “ rebel  against  him  and  his 
prophets  ! apostate  from  the  law  to  which  thou  art  subjected  ! 
— art  thou  concealed  in  the  entrails  of  this  fish  I ” A sound 
resembling  the  gnashing  of  teeth  proceeded  from  the  belh>  of 
the  enormous  animal.  ‘‘  Speak,”  cried  Habib,  “ or  I will  de  /ole 
thee  to  the  most  cruel  punishments  ! ” At  last  a dismal  ^ad 
plaintive  “Yes  ” was  uttered  from  the  jaws  of  the  monster  ” 

The  knight  then  took  from  his  bosom  the  remaining  povtion 
of  the  lady’s  hair ; “ May  the  projects  of  the  wicked  spirits,” 
said  he,  “now  be  executed  against  themselves.  May  each  of 
these  hairs  become  a chain  of  iron,  to  deprive  them  01  all 
action  ! Mayest  thou  be  delivered  over,  thou  and  all  thy  slaves, 
to  the  servants  of  Solomon,  and  hurled  into  the  lowest  dun- 
geons of  Caucasus ! ” 

While  Habib  pronounced  this  command,  he  twisted  the 
hairs  about  the  fins  of  the  whale.  The  enormous  mass  made 
an  effort  as  if  alive  ; but  it  was  not  repeated.  The  hairs  of  the 
lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  suddenly  disappeared,  and  were, 
no  doubt,  employed  as  the  hero  had  ordered.  “ My  queen  is 
safe,”  said  Habib  to  Ilbaccaras;  “let  me  now  have  the  hap- 
piness of  seeing  her  ; conduct  me,  I pray  thee,  to  her  presence.” 

While  the  Arabian  knight  was  taking  measures  to  secure 
the  tranquillity  of  Dorathil-goase  and  her  subjects,  preparations 
were  made  in  the  palace,  and  in  the  city  of  Medinaz-Il-ballor, 
for  the  triumphant  entry  of  their  victorious  deliverer  and  aven- 
ger, who  was  soon  to  become  their  sovereign.  The  lovely  queen 
strove  to  divert  her  impatience  and  tender  solicitude  by  making 
Ilzaide  repeat  whatever  she  knew  of  her  dear  knight ; his  mi- 
nutest actions,  his  words,  and  even  the  most  trifling  circum- 
stances that  the  young  lady  could  recollect  with  regard  to  him, 
were  eagerly  listened  to  by  the  queen. 

As  night  had  come  on,  Habib  was  conducted  to  his  apart- 
ment through  the  most  superb  illuminations.  The  royal  magnif- 
icence displayed  on  the  occasion  might  admit  of  description  ; 
but  words  are  insufficient  to  describe  the  transports  of  joy  and 
respectful  love  which  inspired  Habib,  or  the  tender  sensibility 
of  the  young  and  beautiful  queen.  Never  did  love  light  up  a 
purer  flame,  never  did  Fate  conjoin  two  hearts  more  perfectly 
congenial.  So  much  beauty,  so  many  virtues  and  accomplish* 
^ents,  were  scarce  ever  united  to  such  merit  and  valor. 


4o6  ARABIAN  nights^  ENTER  7A/NME NTS, 

Habib  felt  an  ecstasy  of  joy,  and  declared  his  happiness  to 
be  complete.  Dorathil-goase,  who  was  no  less  pleased,  ex- 
claimed, ‘‘  Have  I then  no  more  to  offer  you,  my  dear  Habib, 
than  my  heart,  my  hand,  and  my  crown  Poor  recompense 
these,  for  such  important  services,  and  for  the  dangers  you  have 
encountered  for  my  sake  ? A reward  how  inadequate  for  such 
heroic  virtue  ! ” 

The  evening  of  their  meeting  was  also  that  of  their  nuptials. 
The  same  night  that  had  brought  them  together  as  happy  lovers, 
also  witnessed  the  ceremony  which  perpetuated  their  union  ; 
and  the  morning  sun  beheld  the  completion  of  their  felicity,  and 
the  joy  of  the  whole  island  of  Medinaz. 

But  the  happiness  of  Habib  did  not  make  him  forgetful  of 
the  obligations  he  had  come  under.  The  Prince  Dalilsha,  hus- 
band to  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses,  still  languished  in  the 
dungeons  of  the  Black  Isle  ; and  that  unhappy  country,  though 
no  longer  infested  with  the  enormities  and  the  presence  of 
Abarikaff,  was  still,  without  doubt,  in  very  great  disorder. 

Habib  had  pledged  his  word  to  the  lady  of  the  beautiful 
tresses,  that*  he  would  deliver  her  husband  from  his  oppressor. 
He  is  destined  by  the  stars  to  establish  peace  in  the  whole 
dominions  of  Dorathil-goase ; nor  need  he  employ  other  means 
than  those  which  fate  has  put  into  his  hands,  to  pursue  and  ac- 
complish his  adventures. 

The  three  daughters  of  the  sea  were  in  the  palace  of  Dorathil- 
goase,  who  had  loaded  them  with  favors,  when  Habib  thus  ad- 
dressed the  eldest : “ We  have,’’  said  he,  “ some  vessels  heie, 
which  might  convey  us  to  the  Black  Isle ; but  I prefer  your  in- 
vention, which  has  already  been  so  serviceable  to  us.  When 
an  affair  is  regulated  by  fate,  its  accomplishment  is  often  made 
to  depend  on  circumstances  so  trivial,  and  on  the  employment 
of  means  apparently  so  insignificant,  that  weak  man  knows  not 
to  what  he  should  attribute  the  success.  Endeavor  then,  ladies, 
I pray  you,  to  find  our  raft,  if  it  be  not  easier  for  you  to  form  an- 
other. I shall  never  be  at  ease  till  I have  dried  up  the  tears  of 
the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses,  and  till  I have  removed  the 
disorders  which  still  disturb  the  repose  of  my  remaining  subjects 
in  the  Black  Isle.” 

The  three  sisters  received  this  proposal  with  joy.  They 
saw  themselves  associated  in  the  glory  of  Habib.  Ilzaide  had 
appeared  rather  dejected  since  the  marriage  of  the  hero  ; but 
as  her  esteem  was  sincere,  she  still  loved  him  with  all  her  heart, 
though  she  saw  his  hand  bestowed  on  another,  whose  superior 
beauty  and  merit  she  could  not  dispute. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTER  7'AINMENTS. 


407 


Habib  called  his  charming  queen  to  assist  at  the  council  he 
held  with  the  fair  companions  of  his  adventures  ; and  it  was  re- 
solved that  they  should  set  out  on  their  journey  as  soon  as  the 
raft  was  ready.  Dorathil-goase,  however,  proposed  that  she 
should  mount  on  her  roc,  and  hover  about  the  raft  to  give  notice 
in  case  of  the  approach  ot  danger,  llbaccaras,  one  of  the  genii 
who  was  most  attached  to  her,  and  for  whom  she  had  the 
greatest  esteem,  together  with  two  other  genii,  were  appointed 
to  attend  her  on  the  journey. 

Next  morning  the  raft  was  ready,  and  Habib  put  to  sea 
about  sunrise.  The  dolphins,  by  which  it  was  drawn,  seemed 
to  redouble  their  exertions  and  swiftness,  and  the  coast  of  the 
Black  Isle  soon  came  into  view.  llbaccaras  observed  with 
pleasure,  and  made  the  queen  also  remark,  that  the  coast  was 
entirely  free  from  those  black  vapors  which  had  formerly  ren- 
dered the  aspect  of  the  place  so  dismal. 

Habib  landed  without  difficulty  or  opposition.  He  met 
only  with  a few  of  the  wretched  and  half-starved  inhabitants 
wandering  about  the  shore.  He  called  them  together,  and  in- 
quired what  news  they  had  of  Abarikaff,  their  tyrant.  “ He  is 
vanquished,’^  said  they  ; “ at  least  we  have  reason  to  think  so, 
from  the  terrible  cries  of  his  attendants.  ’Twas  but  the  day 
before  yesterday  we  were  obliged  to  flee  to  the  mountains.  In 
an  instant,  a multitude  of  the  most  hideous  sea-monsters  had 
covered  the  coast.  Their  fury  was  inconceivable  ; they  fought, 
and  tore  each  other  in  pieces,  and  the  sand  on  the  shore  is  yet 
stained  with  their  blood.  We,  who  have  been  so  long  the  un- 
happy slaves  of  those  monsters,  were  glad  to  escape  their  fury, 
and  to  turn  our  eyes  from  a spectacle  so  horrible.  Their  roar- 
ing, their  yells,  reiterated  by  numerous  echoes,  still  resounded 
in  our  ears  and  continued  to  terrify  us,  when  suddenly  we 
thought  we  saw  a glance  of  lightning,  and  the  whole  noise 
ceased.  We  passed  the  night  in  the  greatest  disquiet  and  in 
continual  alarm,  from  the  impression  of  terror  which  still  re- 
mained on  our  minds  ; but  this  morning  we  could  perceive 
nothing  else  but  the  infectious  vapors  that  arose  from  the  blood 
which  those  monsters  had  shed.  Had  it. not  been  dried  up  by 
the  sun  and  happily  driven  off  by  the  wind,  the  island  might 
have  been  rendered  uninhabitable.” 

While  Habib  held  this  conference  with  the  inhabitants,  the 
roc  hovered  over  the  island ; and  the  unhappy  people,  terrified 
by  so  many  prodigies,  lifted  their  eyes  towards  that  object  with 
an  air  of  consternation  and  solicitude.  But  the  knight  removed 
^their  fears.  “You  see  nothing  here,”  said  he,  “that  should 


4o8  ARABIAN  nights^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

xlarm  you,  I am  the  husband  of  Dorathil-goase,  you?  queen. 
The  object  you  see  in  the  air,  is  the  roc.  on  whose  back  youi 
queen,  my  royal  consort,  is  seated  ; she  comes  with  me  to  afiord 
you  that  assistance  which  you  need  so  much  at  present,  and  to 
establish  peace  and  good  order  among  you.  But,’’  asked  he,, 
“ where  is  Abarikaff’s  palace?  ’V 

“ Sir,’’  answered  the  inhabitants,  “ we  are  ourselves  at  a loss 
what  to  think  on  the  subject.  It  stood  here,  on  this  plain,  and 
now  we  cannot  discover  the  least  vestige  of  it.  It  assumed 
various  fantastic  shapes,  and  changed  its  form  almost  every 
day.  When  it  was  on  the  land,  it  sometimes  looked  like  a fierce 
mastiff  of  enormous  size  ; in  the  air,  it  usually  had  the  appear- 
ance of  a prodigious  bird,  and  in  the  sea  it  resembled  a whale,” 

“ He  had  some  prisoners,  too,”  continued  Habib  ; what 
has  become  of  them?  ” “ Sir,”  answered  they,  if  any  persons 

have  been  so  unhappy  as  to  be  detained  in  his  gripe,  they  must 
be  in  a very  languishing  and  miserable  state.  The  tyrant  would 
not  suffer  them  to  die  ; but  neither  would  he  allow  them  to 
live.” 

“ Do  you  know  the  prince  Dalilsha  ? ” resumed  Habib. 
‘‘  We  have  heard  of  him,  sir.  He  was  loaded  with  chains  on 
account  of  his  wife’s  beautiful  hair,  which  the  tyrant  and  his 
attendants  wished  to  obtain  ; but  which  he  would  never  consent 
to  grant  them.”  ‘‘  Go,”  said  Habib,  “ search  for  him  everywhere. 
I shall  reward  the  man  who  discovers  to  me  the  unfortunate 
prince.” 

The  inhabitants  obeyed,  and  soon  found  Dalilsha  stretched 
on  the  grass,  on  the  spot  where  the  dungeons  formed  by  the 
enchantments  of  Abarikaff  were  situated,  near  his  palace. 
They  instantly  made  a sort  of  litter,  and  bore  the  emancipated 
prince  into  the  presence  of  Habib  and  his  companions. 

The  daughters  of  the  sea  were  not  backward  in  affording 
their  assistance  to  an  object  so  worthy  of  their  compassion. 
Doratbil-goase  observed  from  her  elevation  the  stir  which  this 
affair  occasioned.  Curious  to  know  the  cause,  and  secure 
against  every  apprehension  of  danger  by  the  presence  of  the 
hero,  she  made  the  roc  to  descend  near  the  busy  scene  which 
had  attracted  her  attention.  She  immediately  joined  the  three 
sisters  in  their  care  of  the  unfortunate  prince.  Ilbaccaras,  too,- 
offered  his  help  ; and  by  means  of  powerful  elixirs  they  so  far 
restored  the  husband  of  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses,  that 
he  was  able  to  rise  up  to  speak,  and  thank  his  benefactors  for 
their  good  offices. 

He  was  made  acquainted  with  the  happy  deliverance  of  his 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


409 

spouse,  and  of  his  subjects  ; he  learned  that  it  was  owing  to  the 
knight  who  stood  before  him,  and  who  was  now  the  husband  of 
Dorathil-goase  his  kinswoman.  He  expressed  the  deepest 
sense  of  gratitude  to  his  benefactors,  and  the  joy  he  felt  at  see- 
ing them  j he  added,  that  he  was  impatient  to  fly  to  embrace 
his  spouse. 

It  was  necessary,  in  the  mean  time,  that  Dorathil-goase  and 
Habib  should  settle  the  government  of  the  Black  Isle  ; and  this 
was  devolved  on  Ilbaccaras.  Here  an  opportunity  was  offered 
of  rewarding  the  daughters  of  the  sea ; and  the  Arabian  knight 
accordingly  bestowed  the  hand  of  the  eldest  on  the  new  viceroy. 
Ilzaide,  without  envying  the  good  fortune  of  her  sister,  rejoiced 
at  the  match.  She,  indeed,  thought  no  marriage  desirable  un- 
less it  were  with  a hero  She  joined  heartily  in  the  mirth  and 
festivity  at  her  sister’s  wedding,  without  losing  sight,  however, 
of  her  favorite  project  of  espousing  none  but  a brave  knight. 

The  island  had  been  desolated  during  the  reign  of  the  rebel 
genii ; and  the  nobles  assembled  in  order  to  concert  with  their 
new  chief  the  means  of  restoring  confidence  and  happiness  to 
the  people.  Dorathil-goase  having  taken  these  precautions, 
resolved,  that  in  the  course  of  visiting  the  several  islands  under 
her  dominion,  she  would  carry  the  Prince  Dalilsha  to  the  Green 
Island,  stopping,  as  he  passed,  at  the  Blue  Isle,  in  order  that 
when  he  joined  his  spouse  he  might  be  enabled  to  take  proper- 
measures  for  re-establishing  an  intercourse  by  sea  between  those 
islands. 

Next  morning  Habib  and  the  two  sisters  put  to  sea  on  the 
raft.  The  roc  ascended  into  the  air.  Dalilsha,  somewhat 
recovered  from  his-  long  and  severe  sufferings,  accompanied  the 
queen ; and  the  rapidity  of  the  voyage  was  favored  by  the  calms 
which  prevailed  at  that  season. 

The  two  sovereigns  and  the  prince,  their  tributary,  found 
the  people  of  the  Blue  Isle  diligently  employed  in  rebuilding 
their  dwellings.  Anxious  to  guard  against  troubles  like  those 
which  they  had  so  frequently  experienced,  the  inhabitants 
wished  nothing  more  than  a re-establishment  of  those  wise  laws 
by  which  they  were  governed  before  the  rebellion. 

A fisher’s  boat,  the  only  vessel  in  the  Green  Island,  had 
been  dispatched  by  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  with  an 
assurance  that  she  would  soon  be  ready  to  divide  with  their 
friends  the  treasures,  found  in  the  tyrant’s  steel  castle  ; and  that 
she  only  waited  till  a vessel  was  built  in  which  she  might  ven- 
ture to  sea. 

Dalilsha  acknowledged  the  prudent  foresight  of  his  spouse. 


410 


ARAB lAiV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAimfENTS. 


Habib  and  Dorathil-goase  approved  of  it  no  less,  and  they 
agreed  to  set  out  instantly  for  the  Green  Island. 

Now  were  the  tears  of  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  to 
be  dried  up;  now  was  she  again  to  see  her  beloved  husband, 
who  had  been  so  cruelly  ravished  from  her.  The  two  charming 
cousins  embrace,  shed  tears  of  affection,  and  their  valiant  de- 
liverer participates  in  their  tender  emotions. 

It  was  next  resolved  to  visit  the  White  and  Yellow  Isles. 
The  two  kinswomen  were  inseparable,  and  this  seems  to  have 
been  a condition  agreed  upon  at  undertaking  the  voyage. 

When  the  traveller  arrived  at  the  White  Isle,  Dorathil-goase, 
who  was  constantly  inquiring  into  the  particulars  of  Habib’s 
adventures  and  exploits,  turned  her  eye  towards  the  summit  of 
Mount  Caucasus,  which  was  partly  concealed  in  the  clouds. 
‘Hs  it  not  there,”  said  she,  ‘‘where  dwells  our  faithful  II 
Haboul  1 Since  we  are  thus  far,  my  dear  Habib,  and  since  we 
have  discovered  the  retreat  of  our  best  friend,  how  can  we  re- 
turn without  paying  him  the  tribute  of  gratitude  for  the  many 
services  he  has  done  us  ? Leave  your  raft  to  the  daughters  of 
the  sea,  mount  with  me  upon  the  roc,  and  to  vary  our  pleasures, 
let  us  now  go  and  taste  the  sweets  of  friendship.”  The  desire 
of  the  lovely  queen  was  seconded  by  the  ardent  wishes  of  her 
husband,  and  the  journey  was  determined  on. 

As  they  approached  the  steep  cliffs  which  face  the  sea  on 
the  side  of  Mount  Caucasus,  Habib  pointed  out  to  his  queen 
the  place  where,  after  his  escape  from  the  caverns,  he  received 
assistance  from  the  daughters  of  the  sea.  The  tender  Dorathil- 
goase  trembled  at  the  idea  of  her  lover’s  situation  in  such  a 
horrible  abode.  While  they  hovered  over  the  summit  of  Cau- 
casus, he  made  her  remark  a part  of  the  deserts  which  he  had 
traversed.  “ I am  charmed,  that  my  queen  can  thus  see  at  what 
price  I have  purchased  my  present  happiness ; but  that  is  so 
great  that  I now  forget  the  pains  and  trouble  it  has  cost  me.” 

In  the  mean  time,  the  vast  bird  glided  over  the  highest  top 
of  Caucasus,  and  lowering  his  flight,  set  down  the  travellers  at 
the  entrance  of  II  Haboul’s  cavern.  That  good  genie  had 
already  been  informed  that  something  approached  in  the  air, 
which  seemed  to  come  towards  his  abode ; and  to  whom  else 
could  such  a visit  be  intended,  in  a place  absolutely  inaccessible 
to  the  human  race. 

He  stood  near  the  rock  which  concealed  the  entrance  to 
his  cavern.  According* to  his  custom,  he  perfumed  the  air  with 
a pan  of  incense,  which,  by  enchantment,  mitigated  the  rigor  of 
the  climate  in  that  region  of  eternal  frost.  He  was  soon  in- 


A.R ASIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


411 


formed  by  one  of  his  servants,  that  Habib  and  Dorathil-goase 
were  the  guests  he  was  to  entertain.  This  also  made  him 
acquainted  with  the  union  of  those  lovers. 

He  came  up  to  receive  the  queen,  assisted  her  to  descend 
from  the  roc,  affectionately  pressed  the  hand  of  Habib,  ex- 
pressed his  satisfaction  at  seeing  Dalilsha  and  his  spouse,  made 
the  whole  company  enter  into  the  interior  part  of  his  dwelling, 
and  seated  them  at  a table  already  covered  for  them. 

The  roc,  which  had  been  bred  on  Caucasus,  was  no  stranger 
in  this  place.  II  Haboul  soon  learned  the  principal  events  of  the 
successful  expedition  of  his  young  disciple  against  the  revolted 
genii.  He  already  knew  the  greater  part  of  them.  The  gates 
of  the  cavern,  which  faced  the  sea,  had  been  for  some  .time 
opened  every  hour  for  the  reception  of  prisoners,  who  were  sent 
in  the  name  of  Habib.  The  criminal  Abarikaff  and  all  the  re- 
volted chiefs  were  among  the  number. 

When  he  had  learned  from  his  guest  everything  he  had 
thought  worthy  of  inquiry ; when  they  had  all  enjoyed  the 
pleasures  of  friendship  and  mutual  confidence,  he  conducted 
Dorathil-goase  and  the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  to  a com- 
modious apartment  fitted  up  for  their  reception.  He  then  took 
aside  Habib  and  Dalilsha,  and  thus  addressed  the  former: 
“ My  dear  pupil,  for  I must  henceforth  esteem  it  an  honor  to 
have  been  your  instructor,  you  have  hitherto  acquitted  yourself 
well  in  the  noble  though  laborious  parts  which  fate  has  allotted 
to  you.  What  remains  for  you  now  to  perform  is  only  to  satisfy 
the  feelings  of  duty  and  natural  affection.  I must,  therefore, 
make  you  acquainted  with  a part  of  the  history  of  your  family, 
which  will  no  doubt  be  very  afflicting  to  you.’’ 

Habib  looked  on  him  with  astonishment  and  anxiety.  “ Con- 
tinue,” said  the  genie,  to  show  yourself  worthy  of  Dorathil- 
goase,  of  the  great  Salamis  your  father,  of  the  favors  of  Heaven, 
and  of  the  peculiar  protection  of  the  Prophet  Solomon.  Arm 
yourself  with  new  courage,  fortify  yourself  against  an  excess  of 
sensibility.  He  alone  who  can  bravely  suffer  under  misfortune, 
is  fitted  to  encounter  and  surmount  difficulties.” 

After  this  preamble,  II  Haboul  informed  Habib  of  the 
account  the  twenty  knights  had  given  to  Salamis  on  their  return. 
At  the  same  time  he  described  the  afflictions  and  despair  of  his 
tender  and  virtuous  parent  on  hearing  of  the  death  of  a beloved 
son,  the  only  hope  and  comfort  of  his  declining  years.  “ His 
grief,”  said  he,  “was  so  severe,  that  his  eyes  became  two  foun- 
tains of  tears,  the  acrimony  of  which  soon  extinguished  his  sight, 

“ Being  unable,  by  reason  of  this  defect,  to  exert  his  wonted 


4X  2 ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTER TAINMENTS. 

activity  and  courage,  a tributary  prince,  whom  he  had  formerly 
subdued  by  his  arms,  raised  the  standard  of  rebellion  against 
his  master,  and  engaged  others  in  the  revolt.  Those  who  had 
remained  faithful  to  him  were  defeated  in  several  battles  \ and 
as  he  has  received  little  aid  from  his  allies,  he  is  now  in  danger 
of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.’' 

While  II  Haboul  made  his  recital,  Habib  felt  the  strongest 
emotions ; for  his  soul  was  swayed  by  the  most  violent  as  wei^ 
as  the  noblest  passions  j but  he  suppressed  his  feelings,  being 
already  armed  against  them. 

“ Command  me  ! my  dear  tutelary  genie,”  cried  he,  “ and 
you  shall  see  then  that  I still  know  my  duty.”  Mark,  then, 
what  I shall  say,”  answered  II  Haboul.  ‘‘You  have  an  easy 
mode  of  travelling,  and  you  must  set  out  for  Arabia  immedi- 
ately. Your  father,  it  is  true,  has  lost  his  sight,  but  his  eyes 
are  not  entirely  destroyed.  The  remedy  by  which  they  will 
be  restored  must  be  applied  by  the  same  hand  that  occasioned 
the  misfortune,  that  is  the  hand  of  Dorathil-goase.. 

“ This  secret  remedy  is  to  be  found  among  the  treasures  of 
Solomon,  and  there  you  must  go  and  search  for  it.  It  is  now 
neither  dangerous  nor  difficult  for  you  to  approach  them.  The 
word  written  on  the  talisman  is  the  only  key  necessary ; besides, 
the  Laborer  of  the  prophet  has  undoubted  privilege  of  being 
admitted  to  his  shrine.” 

“ But,”  said  Habib,  “ if  I depart  with  my  queen,  what  must 
become  of  Dalilsha  and  his  spouse  ? How  can  they  attend  us, 
while  their  presence  is  so  necessary  in  their  own  kingdom  ; and 
who  could  quiet  the  fears  of  the  people  in  mine,  during  our 
absence } ” 

“ When  you  advanced  towards  Caucasus,  in  your  distress, 
my  dear  Habib,  how  did  I contrive  to  lend  you  my  aid.  The 
same  means  still  remain  with  me.  I can  send  back  the  lady  of 
the  beautiful  tresses  and  her  husband,  in  safety  to  the  Green 
Island.  The  same  slave  of  the  Prophet  who  re-conducts  them 
on  the  roc,  will  convey  information  concerning  you  to  Illabou- 
satrous  your  grandfather,  and  to  your  viziers.  You  may,  there- 
fore, proceed  with  tranquillity  on  your  way  to  Arabia.  I cannot 
now  accompany  you  thither.  My  duty  retains  me  in  this  place, 
and  my  business  has  been  more  than  doubled  since  your  expedi- 
tions. I found  it,  indeed,  altogether  impossible  to  comfort  your 
affectionate  father,  by  telling  him  what  news  I could  of  your 
exploits. 

“ If  you  are  willing,”  continued  II  Haboul,  “to  follow  my 
advice,  you  will  not  alight  at  first  in  your  father’s  territpii^ 


ARABIAN-  mCHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


413 


You  will  conduct  your  spouse  to  the  little  cottage  in  the  mountain, 
which  was  once  our  retreat.  As  nothing  there  could  excite  the 
avarice  of  the  plunderers,  it  has  escaped  their  fury  during  the 
rebellion.  The  furniture  which  Dorathil-goase  carries  along 
with  her  travelling  pavilion,  will  serve  for  her  accommodation  ; 
nor  need  you  fear  that  the  granddaughter  of  a genie  will  suffer 
from  want,  where  there  is  such  plenty  of  fish,  game,  and  deli- 
cious fruits. 

You  will  be  under  the  necessity,’’  added  the  genie,  ‘‘  when 
you  enter  the  treasury  of  Solomon,  there  to  deposit  the  cimeter 
which  you  w^ere  permitted  to  use  in  subduing  his  enemies.  It  is 
not  an  ordinary  weapon ; and  I know  you  desire  no  other 
advantage  over  enemies  who  are  your  equals,  than  such  as  may 
be  obtained  by  prudence,  experience,  and  superior  courage. 
But  you  must  not  venture  into  the  camp  unarmed,  for  hostilities 
may  perhaps  be  unavoidable.  I will,  therefore,  present  you 
with  two  complete  suits  of  armor,  formed  in  the  Parthian 
manner,  and  resembling  those  I wore  when  I appeared  in  front 
of  your  camp  ; to  this  shall  be  added  the  trappings  and  cover- 
lets for  your  horses  ; and  of  these  things  you  can  make  what- 
ever use  your  prudence  may  suggest.” 

“ My  dear  11  Haboul,”  said  Habib,  my  heart  yearns  towards 
my  father.  Henceforth  I shall  hold  my  life  of  no  estimation 
till  I have  brought  him  relief.  Show  me,  I pray  you,  the  path 
which  may  conduct  me  to  the  talisman,  that  shall  restore  sight 
to  the  author  of  my  days.  A moment’s  delay  would  pain  me  to 
the  heart  ; and  I am  sure  that  Dorathil-goase  will  participate 
in  my  impatience.” 

The  charming  queen  was,  no  doubt,  well  disposed  to  enter 
into  the  views  of  a husband  to  whom  she  was  entirely  devoted, 
and  in  whose  concerns  she  was  so  deeply  interested.  Prepara- 
tions were  therefore  made  for  the  journey. 

Habib  descended  into  the  cavern,  where  w^ere  deposited  the 
arms  of  Solomon.  None  presumed  to  dispute  his  entrance. 
When  he  approached  the  trophy  of  arms,  to  which  he  was  to 
affix  the  cimeter,  he  observed  on  the  casque  two  beautiful  oval 
stones,  of  a flat  shape,  which  were  connected  by  a gold  wire  and 
of  a size  sufficient  to  cover  the  eyes  of  a man.  His  sight  was 
dazzled  with  their  lustre.  He  knew  them  to  be  the  talisman 
for  which  he  looked  ; he  took  them  up  and  retired,  regretting 
that  he  could  no  longer  remain  in  a place  where  he  was  likely 
to  reap  so  much  instruction.  His  sense  of  filial  duty,  at  that 
moment,  suppressed  his  curiosity.  His  only  wish  was  to  see 
Dalilsha  and  his  spouse  depart,  that  he  might  fly  instantly  to 


4*4 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


gratify  those  feelings  of  natural  affection  by  which  h«  was 
irresistibly  impelled. 

But  one  care  still  remained  to  make  him  uneasy.  He  had 
left  the  two  daughters  of  the  sea  in  the  White  Island.  He, 
therefore,  engaged  the  prince  and  his  fair  spouse  to  halt  at  that 
island,  in  order  to  carry  the  two  ladies  along  with  them. 

Next  morning,  at  daybreak,  the  two  rocs  ascended  ^to  the 
air,  and  took  opposite  courses. 

Towards  the  evening  of  the  third  day,  the  children  of  Salamis 
came  in  sight  of  his  tents.  The  prodigious  bird,  on  which  they 
sat,  alighted  near  the  palisadoes  which  guarded  the  entrance  to 
the  little  cottage  formed  by  Habib  and  II  Haboul  as  a place 
of  retreat. 

The  happy  pair  entered  it.  The  genie,  who  guided  the  roc, 
unloaded  the  animal,  turned  him  out  to  search  for  food,  and 
instinct  taught  him  to  find  it.  Habib  and  Dorathil-goase 
impatiently  waited  the  return  of  day ; and  as  soon  as  it 
appeared,  they  lost  no  time  in  proceeding  to  their  purpose. 

It  was  thought  necessary  that  Habib  should  be  disguised 
when  he  entered  his  father^s  tents,  that  he  might  not  too 
suddenly  surprise  his  fond  parents.  He  soon  obtained  a dis- 
guise suitable  to  his  design. 

He  accidentally  found,  among  his  ancient  utensils,  a pair  of 
old  sandals  in  which  he  used  to  work  ; these  were  his  shoes. 
The  skin  of  a goat  flung  over  his  shoulders,  and  another  girt 
about  his  loins,  made  up  his  dress. 

He  stained  his  neck  and  face  with  a yellow-colored  earth, 
which  concealed  the  natural  tint  of  his  skin ; he  disordered  his 
hair  and  his  beard  ; and  having  a dagger  in  his  girdle,  a staff 
in  his  hand,  and  a basket  of  fruit  on  his  arm,  he  passed  the 
intrenchments,  and  arrived  at  the  entrance  to  the  tents  which 
belonged  to  his  mother’s  slave. 

He  there  espied  a large  flat  stone,  on  which  he  sat  down, 
and,  placing  his  basket  of  fruit  between  his  feet,  he  leaned  for- 
ward as  if  asleep. 

Several  slaves  passed  and  repassed  ; but  he  had  not  yet 
seen  her  to  whom  he  intended  to  communicate  his  secret.  At 
last  she  came,  and  he  called  her  by  name,  for  she  had  been  his 
governess:  ‘‘ Esek  ! Esek  ! ” “You  know  me,  then,  young 
man,”  said  the  good  old  lady.  “ Yes,”  answered  Habib  ; “ and 
if  you  will  follow  me  behind  that  great  tree.  I’ll  tell  you  news 
that  will  rejoice  our  masters.  Put  my  basket  into  your  tent  j 
and  W you  are  no't  satisfied  with  my  discourse,  both  it  and  the 
fruit  it  contains  shall  be  yours.” 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS 


415 


The  old  woman,  more  from  curiosity  than  avarice,  took  the 
fruit,  and  retired  with  him  behind  the  tree,  which  was  close  by 
the  back  of  the  tent,  and  concealed  them  from  the  view  of  pas- 
sengers during  their  conversation.  Come,”  said  she,  what 
have  you  got  to  tell  me  ? pray,  begin.” 

Will  you  promise,”  said  he,  “ in  case  what  I may  say  shall 
give  you  extreme  pleasure,  that  you  will  not  cry  out,  nor  make 
the  least  noise  } ” 

“Very  fine,  indeed,”  said  the  old  lady;  “you  are  then  so 
eloquent,  are  you  ? One  could  not  guess  it,  truly,  from  your 
cloak,  or  your  sandals.  Pray,  have  you  often  made  people  cry, 
only  by  talking  to  them  ? ” 

“No,  good  woman  ; but  if  you  don’t  take  care,  you  will  be 
the  first.”  “ But,”  thinks  she,  “ how  comes  it  that  this  vagrant, 
with  his  basket  of  plums,  talks  so  familiarly  with  me,  and  calls 
me  good  woman,  yet  I am  not  offended  ? ” “ Have  done,”  said 

she,  aloud  ; “ tell  me  quickly  this  secret,  which  you  say  will  give 
me  so  much  pleasure.”  “ Did  you  love  poor  Habib  } ” “ Then 

you  come  here  to  make  me  weep  ” “ On  the  contrary,  if  you 

love  him,  be  comforted,  for  he  still  lives.” 

While  he  uttered  these  words,  he  seized  her  by  the  hands 
and  prevented  her  crying  out. 

“ Silence,  silence,  my  good  old  friend ! make  no  bustle  ; I 
myself  am  Habib.  I will  show  you  the  mark  on  my  neck,  and 
the  other  on  my  breast ; I will  sing  you  the  little  song  with 
which  I used  to  entertain  you.” 

“ How  ! how  ! ” cried  the  old  governess  in  transports,  when 
she  heard  the  sound  of  his  well-known  voice  ; but  Habib 
suppressed  her  cries  by  putting  his  hand  upon  her  mouth. 

“ Beware,”  said  he  ; “you  will  kill  my  mother  with  surprise. 
I come  to  deliver  my  father  from  the  hands  of  his  enemies  ; 
but  my  design  would  be  defeated,  were  they  to  discover  that  I 
am  here. 

“ Be  silent,  then  ; for  God’s  sake  be  silent,  my  dear  gov- 
erness. Show  me  where  I may  conceal  myself.  If  I cannot 
enter  by  the  door,  I will  find  a passage  some  other  way.  I must 
instruct  you  in  what  manner  you  are  to  communicate  the  news 
of  my  arrival,  so  as  to  occasion  no  sudden  surprise  to  my 
father  and  mother.  It  is  necessary,  too,  that  it  should  remain 
a profound  secret  among  us  four.” 

The  faithful  slave  of  Amirala  was  almost  suffocated  with  her 
tears.  Unable  to  utter  a syllable,  she  could  only  lead  her  dear 
Habib  into  her  tent,  where  no  person  happened  to  be  at  the 
time.  He  there  taught  her  how  to  prepare  his  mother  for  re- 


41 6 ARABIAN  mCHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

ceiving  the  glad  news,  and  concealed  himself  in  the  best  man- 
ner he  could.  His  governess,  in  the  mean  time,  went  to  watch 
an  opportunity  of  speaking  to  Amirala,  who  scarcely  ever  quit- 
ted Salamis. 

Habib  remained  alone,  indulging  melancholy  reflections,  and 
comparing  the  formidable  state  of  his  father’s  camp  at  the  time 
he  left  it,  with  its  present  pitiful  condition. 

Scarce  a fourth  part  remained.  He  was  no  longer  contented 
with  ordinary  barriers  ; he  was  surrounded  with  strong  intrench^ 
ments.  Whatever  military  operations  were  going  on  seemed  to 
be  merely  defensive. 

It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  impatience  of  the  hero  to 
embrace  and  console  his  afflicted  parents  ; to  restore  sight  to 
the  honored  author  of  his  life;  and  to  punish  those  mean  and 
ungrateful  rebels  who,  taking  advantage  of  their  sovereign’s 
infirmity,  had  thrown  off  his  allegiance,  and  even  threatened 
his  personal  liberty. 

Happily,  those  painful  reflections  were  soon  interrupted  by 
the  return  of  the  old  governess. 

Sleep  had  for  some  time  suspended  the  cares  of  the  vener- 
able emir  ; and  Amirala  retired  into  her  own  tent  to  take  a little 
refreshment  and  repose. 

Her  faithful  slave  followed  her.  When  they  were  alone, 
“ Madam,”  said  she,  ‘‘  I know  you  put  some  confidence  in  my 
dreams.  I have  long  had  none  but  such  as  were  unhappy,  and 
those,  alas  ! have  been  too  often  verified.  My  last,  however, 
has  filled  my  mind  with  comfort  and  hope. 

“ The  twenty  knights  who  accompanied  our  child  to  the 
desert,  have  been  first  cowards,  and  afterwards  liars.  Our  dear 
Habib  is  not  dead.  He  is  well.  I kissed  the  marks  he  bears 
on  his  neck  and  breast. 

And  will  your  dreaming  that  you  kissed  those  marks,” 
cried  Amirala,  make  the  knights  liars,  and  restore  our  child 
to  life  ? ” 

‘‘  O,  madam,”  answered  the  good  woman,  “ I embraced  him 
in  my  arms,  and  he  pressed  me  to  his  heart,  which  beat  very 
quick ; it  was  not  the  heart  of  a dead  man,  madam,  I assure 
you.” 

“ But  where, — when  did  you  dream  all  this  ? ” 

Just  now,  madam.  Drink  this  cup  of  cold  water,  and  I 
will  tell  you  the  rest.” 

Amirala  drank  the  water.  “ Well,”  said  the  old  woman, 
“ there  will  be  no  danger  now  to  speak  plainly  • but  beware, 
madam,  of  an  excess  of  joy. 


A/?AB/AAr  JJIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


417 


“ Know  then,  that  I did  not  dream ; I saw  him.  I embraced 
our  Habib  himself.  He  'is  here,  and  resides  in  what  he  calls 
his  Uttle  mountain  retreat.  There  stands  a basket  of  plums 
which  he  has  brought  from  thence.  He  came  disguised  into 
the  camp  like  a poor  peasant,  with  his  face  bedaubed  with  clay. 
He  is  resolved  to  make  himself  known  to  none  but  his  father 
and  MS.  He  told  me  it  was  for  the  good  of  his  father’s  affairs 
to  keep  his  arrival  secret.  Our  Habib,  you  know,  is  wise  ; his 
adyxe  must  be  followed.” 

Notwithstanding  the  precaution  of  the  glass  of  water, 
h nirala’s  spirits  began  to  fail.  She  cast  her  eyes  on  the  bas- 
ket, and  could  only  utter  these  words  : Here  are  plums  from 
k’s  garden  ! ” The  governess  then  made  her  smell  some  fra- 
];rant  essences.  ‘‘  Take  courage,  madam,”  said  she,  much 
happiness  awaits  us,  which  may  compensate  our  past  suffer- 
ings ; my  Habib  told  me  so.  Your  eyes  shall  this  night  behold 
the  heavens,  and  you  shall  not  there  find  a star  that  is  not 
for  us ! ” 

“ But  where, — where  is  he  ? ” said  Amirala,  when  she  recov- 
ered the  use  of  speech.  In  my  tent,  behind  the  great  bulrush 
hamper,  which  contained  the  stuffs  you  received  from  Chiraz. 
Take  heart,  madam,  come  with  me  and  see  him.  We  will  shut 
ourselves  up  with  him  ; we  will  comb  his  hair  ; we  will  wash  his 
face ; and  I am  much  deceived  if  we  do  not  find  him  more 
beautiful  than  ever.” 

Amirala  made  trial  of  her  strwigth.  She  was  conducted  with 
difficulty  to  the  tent  of  the  kind  governess.  There,  after  using 
every  necessary  precaution  to  prevent  being  discovered  or  sur- 
prised, the  hamper  taken  down,  and  Habib  himself  prostrated 
at  the  feet  of  his  mother,  who  was  seated  on  the  governess’s 
couch ; the  essences  were  again  had  recourse  to  for  reviving 
the  spirits  of  both  the  mother  and  the  son,  who  had  mutually 
sunk  into  a trance. 

When  they  had  somewhat  recovered,  ‘‘Ah!  my  dear 
Habib,”  cried  Amirala,  “ by  what  favor  of  gracious  Heaven 
are  you  thus  restored  to  my  arms  ? ” 

“ By  that,  madam,  which  was  promised  me  by  the  stars. 
You  see  before  you  the  husband  of  Dorathil-goase — the  king  of 
the  Seven  Seas ; the  instrument,  though  unworthy,  of  the  great 
Solomon  ; the  conqueror  of  the  enemies  of  God  and  his  prophet. 
But  I would  only  bewail  my  successes,  did  I not  bring  with  me 
a physician  who  is  able,  in  a moment,  to  restore  sight  to  my 
father.” 

Restore  the  sight  of  Salagmis  ! ” exclaimed  Amirala. 


4i8  ARABIAN  nights^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

“Yes,  madam,”  answered  Habib;  “and  that  physician  is  my 
wife  herself,  commissioned  by  the  decrees  of  Heaven  to  per- 
form this  miracle.  ” 

“Your  wife!”  returned  AmiraH;  “and  where  is  she?” 
“In  the  cottage  in  my  garJ^en.  She  waits  for  an  Arabian  dress. 
You  will,  therefore,  order  two  dresses  to  be  prepared;  one  for 
her,  under  which  she  may  conceal  her  sex,  and  another  for  me 
in  which  I may  pass  through  the  camp  without  being  discov- 
ered. 

“It  is  proposed,  madam,  to  introduce  to  my  father,  in  the 
view  of  the  whole  camp,  an  Arabian  physician  with  his  slave. 
Order,  then,  the  most  trusty  of  the  emids  grooms,  and  he  in 
whose  prudence  you  can  repose  the  most  confidence,  to  follow 
me  to  my  retreat  with  three  mules.  L.et  htm  take  care  thac/’-  ^ 
barriers  be  left  open  for  him  on  his  return. 

“ Yo;  vili  .nfonn  your  slaves  that  yci?  have  called  a physi 
dan,  fc  vhose  accommodation  a tent  must  be  provided  this 
night.  We  will  arrive  about  sunset,  and  we  shall  need  no  other 
than  my  kind  governess  to  serve  us. 

“Till  that  time,  madam,  you  may  prepare  my  father,  by 
relating  mch  stories  as  may  raise  in  his  mind  some  hopes  of 
my  safety.  Inspire  him  with  confidence  in  the  skill  of  an  Ara- 
bian physician,  who  requires  no  more  than  to  see  his  eyes,  to 
touch  them  with  his  fingers  ; and  who  engages  by  that  means, 
in  a moment  to  restore  his  sight.  For  my  own  part,  I will  re- 
main concealed  till  after  the  operation.” 

Everything  was  executed  according  to  Habib’s  directions ; 
he  instantly  set  out  for  his  retreat,  followed  by  his  father’s 
groom  with  three  mules.  He  had  led  the  way  in  silence  ; but 
when  they  approached  the  palisadoes,  he  called  to  the  man 
by  his  name.  The  groom  seemed  struck  by  the  sound  of  his 
voice.  “ Fear  not,”  said  he,  “ I speak  to  you  with  Habib’s 
voice,  for  I am  Habib  himself.  When  you  come  into  the  cot- 
tage, you  may  find  what  may  surpri-se  you  more.  You  will 
there  see  the  queen,  my  royal  spouse.  Prepare  yourself,  then, 
to  execute  whatever  we  shall  command  for  the  service  of  the 
emir,  my  father.” 

The  groom  could  scarce  persuade  himself  that  he  w^as 
awake  r but  the  work  he  was  ordered  to  perform  soon  con- 
vinced him  that  he  was  not  under  the  illusion  of  a dream. 

Habib  commanded  him  to  load  two  of  the  mules  with 
the  armor  and  the  horse-trappings  which  he  had  received  from 
the  hand  of  II  Haboul.  He  and  Dorathil-goas**  Aen  put  on 
their  disguise. 


ARABIAN’  mCHTS^  ENTER  TAINMEMTS. 


The  young  physician  mounted  the  best  mule  ; her  slave,  on 
foot,  conducted  one  of  the  loaded  mules,  and  the  other  was  led 
by  the  groom. 

The  armor  was  covered  with  those  skins  of  lions  and  tigers 
which  had  served  as  furniture  in  the  cottage  ; and  this  little 
troop,  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening,  presented  themselves,  and 
were  admitted  within  the  lines  of  the  camp. 

In  the  mean  time,  Amirala  and  the  governess  attended 
Salamis,  who  was  now  awake ; they  addressed  him  in  a tone 
less  mournful  than  usual ; and  the  worthy  emir  was  comforted 
by  the  cheerfulness  of  their  discourse. 

“ God  has  been  pleased  to  humble  me,’’  said  he  ; “I  was 
too  proud  of  his  gifts,  and  all  ha/e  been  withdrawn,  that  I may 
learn  my  own  insignificance.  Yet  I bless  his  name,  since  you,' 
my  dear  Amirala,  seem  as  resigned  to  our  destiny  as  I am 
myself  ! 

‘‘  Deprived  as  I am  of  power  and  glory,  and  cut  off  from 
the  enjoyment  of  light,  I can  brave  every  danger  and  even  the 
slavery  with  which  I am  threatened,  while  you  assist  me  in 
supporting  my  misfortunes.  My  enemies  no  longer  fear  my 
arms  ; but  they  will  be  pursued  by  the  vengeance  of  the  great 
prophet,  from  which  they  cannot  escape.  We  shall,  at  last, 
rejoin  our  dear  Habib,  and  be  happy.” 

‘‘Yes,  yes,”  cried  the  governess ; there  is  no  doubt  of  it, 
after  the  dream  both  my  lady  and  I have  had.  I am  sure  we 
shall  rejoin  our  dear  Habib.” 

“ What  dream  ? ” demanded  Salamis.  “ Who  ever  heard 
of  two  persons  having  the  same  dream  } ” 

“ We  have,  however,  both  dreamed  the  same  thing,”  an- 
swered the  governess,  “ and  that  exactly  in  each  particular. 
We  have  seen  Habib.  He  was  beautiful,  was  a king,  and  had 
a queen  charming  as  the  houris.  He  still  loved  his  father  and 
us  with  all  the  tenderness  of  his  nature.  He  hoped  soon  to 
come  here,  and  show  himself  to  you,  and ” 

“ Show  himself  to  me  ! ” interrupted  Salamis ; “ that  can 
never  be,  at  least  in  this  world  ; for  my  eyes,  alas,  are  shut 
forever ! ” 

“You  may,  perhaps,  be  agreeably  deceived,  my  lord,”  re- 
turned the  governess,  “ as  to  this  particular.  We  have  heard 
of  a wonderful  physician  whose  skill  ib  so  great  that,  if  the  eye- 
ball but  remain  entire,  he  can  restore  the  sight  in  a moment, 
and  without  occasioning  the  smallest  pain.” 

“ I have  already  been  abused  by  quacks  and  astrologers,” 
cried  Salamis.  “ He  is  neither  one  nor  t’other,”  said  she« 


420 


ARABIAN  NIGHTN  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


‘‘  He  offers  to  pledge  a thousand  pieces  of  gold  before  under- 
taking the  cure.  If  he  does  not  succeed,  or  if  he  does  the 
smallest  injury,  he  is  willing  to  forfeit  the  sum.’^ 

‘‘  Let  him  come,  then,”  said  Salamis.  “ I will  be  glad  to 
gain  a thousand  pieces  of  gold,  that  I may  distribute  them 
among  my  poor  subjects,  who  have  been  plundered  of  all  their 
flocks.  It  will  only  cost  me  a little  patience,  and  the  empiric 
will  be  justly  punished  for  his  vain  pretensions.” 

This  compliance  on  the  part  of  Salamis  was  all  that  Amirala 
wanted.  Habib  and  Dorathil-goase  arrive  ; are  introduced 
into  the  apartment  of  the  emir,  and  the  groom  there  places  the 
two  suits  of  armor,  covering  them  with  the  skins  in  which  they 
have  been  wrapped. 

The  operation  on  the  emir’s  eyes  is  now  to  be  begun.  But 
no  strangers  are  suffered  to  intrude.  A supper  is  already  pre- 
pared, which  is  to  be  served  up  by  the  governess  alone.  The 
groom  stands  as  sentinel  at  the  door,  to  restrain  the  imperti- 
nent inquiries  of  the  crowd. 

Amirala  announces  to  her  husband  the  arrival  of  the  physi- 
cian, and  at  the  same  time  puts  into  his  hand  a purse  filled 
with  gold. 

‘‘Weigh  it,”  says  she  to  the  emir;  “ satisfy  yourself  that 
nothing  is  wanting  of  the  sum,  and  keep  it  in  your  possession, 
to  make  sure  of  it,  in  case  the  operation  should  fail. 

“ But  as  you  are  a sovereign,  this  generous  physician  is  un- 
willing that  you  should  hazard  your  person  in  the  view  of  so 
paltry  a compromise  ; that  the  bargain  may  be  more  equal,  he 
entreats  that  you  will  suffer  him  to  pledge  his  head  for  his 
success.” 

“ My  dear  Amirala,”  says  Salamis,  “ would  you  have  me 
dream,  as  you  and  the  good  old  woman  there  do  so  often } 
Would  you  make  it  a dream  for  three  ? ” “I  hope,”  answered 
she,  “ my  honored  emir,  it  shall  soon  be  a dream  for  five  ! the 
most  delightful,  the  truest  dream  imaginable.  But  here  comes 
the  physician.” 

“ Come  near  me,”  said  the  emir.  “ Is  it  true  that  you  are 
so  certain  of  my  cure  ? ” “ As  certain  as  of  my  existence.” 

“ Ah  ! you  have  the  voice  of  an  angel,  not  of  a man.  Are  you 
the  messenger  of  Heaven,  who  brings  me  so  unexpected  a 
favor  ? for  it  is  from  Heaven  alone  I can  hope  for  such  a 
miracle.”  “ You  are  mistaken  as  to  the  nature  of  my  essence, 
but  you  conjecture  aright  as  to  my  commission.”  “ I know 
not  how  it  is,  but  your  words  enchant  me,  and  shed  a ray  of 
hope  on  my  soul.  Look  on  my  eyes.”  “ I see  them.  Permit 


AJ^ABIAJSr  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


421 


me  to  touch  them,  and  for  an  instant  to  apply  my  thumbs  upon 
them/’  “ I feel  an  agreeable  warmth,  what  a pleasing  sensa- 
tion ! some  happy  change  has  taken  place,  which  is  communi- 
cated to  every  nerve,  and  my  whole  frame  is  invigorated ” 

The  operation  is  finished,  my  lord.  Look  up  without 
fear.  The  rays  of  the  sun  will  no  longer  be  offensive  to  your 
eyes.” 

‘‘O  heavens!  I see T'  cried  the  good  emir;  and  before 
taking  notice  of  any  object  before  him,  he  fell  down  with  his 
face  to  the  ground,  and  thanked  God  for  his  deliverance. 

Having  finished  his  prayer,  he  arose  and  looked  around. 
“ Where  is  this  physician  ” cried  he,  in  a transport.  Where 
is  this  messenger  of  God  ? ” ‘‘  Here  I am.”  ‘‘  Divine  creature  ! ” 
“ I am  not  divine,  honored  father ; I am  Dorathil-goase,  your 
daughter,  devoted  to  you  by  fate.  I am  the  wife  of  your  son 
Habib.”  Wife  of  Habib  I draw  near  ; — Amirala,  support  me  ; 
— my  son  is  married  ; — he  lives  ! Where,  where  is  he  At 

your  feet ! ” cried  Habib,  embracing  his  knees. 

“ O gracious  Heaven  ! ” exclaimed  Salamis,  thou  hast 
restored  my  strength ; but  much  is  necessary  to  sustain  this 
excess  of  joy.” 

He  remained  for  some  time  deprived  of  sense,  in  the  arms 
of  his  son  and  the  young  queen.  But  this  was  no  more  than  a 
momentary  crisis  of  tenderness,  which  gave  vent  to  the  torrent 
which  soon  burst  from  his  eyes.  His  tears  were  mingled  with 
those  of  his  children  and  of  his  wife  Amirala  ; and  the  good  old 
governess,  emboldened  by  the  warmth  of  her  attachment,  pre- 
sumed to  join  in  the  tender  scene. 

Natural  affection  here  operated  so  powerfully  that,  for 
some  time,  curiosity,  and  every  other  sentiment,  remained  in 
suspense. 

At  last,  Amirala  recollected  that  she  ought  to  offer  her 
guests  some  refreshment ; and  the  governess,  on  receiving  her 
orders,  prepared  to  serve  them. 

The  father  is  seated  at  table  between  his  two  children  ; 
Amirala  sits  opposite,  and  enjoys  the  inexpressible  felicity  of 
beholding  the  reunion  of  so  many  objects  of  her  love. 

For  a long  time  her  breathing  had  been  interrupted  by  con- 
tinual sighs ; her  mouth  was  seldom  opened  but  to  utter  a 
complaint ; her  heart  was  wrung  with  sorrow,  her  mind  haunted 
with  terrors.  She  shed  the  most  bitter  tears  ; was  dead  to 
every  pleasure,  and  grief  preyed  on  her  vitals.  Every  step 
she  made  seemed  marked  with  misfortune. 

In  a moment  all  is  reversed.  The  flood  of  tears  that  pours 


422 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


from  her  eyes  is  a delicious  enjoyment ; her  soul  is  filled  with 
enthusiastic  joy,  and  her  lips  can  give  it  utterance. 

Let  my  heart  taste  of  pleasure  ; it  is  not  now  a time  to 
resist  the  impressions  of  delight ; let  my  heart  open  and 
furnish  an  abundance  of  tears  ! 

‘‘  When  each  tear  I shed  was  accompanied  with  a heavy 
groan,  who  could  have  persuaded  me  that  I should  one  day 
find  such  pleasure  in  weeping.? 

‘‘  O laughter,  how  deceitful  art  thou  ! Thou  canst  not  ex- 
press the  joy  of  the  soul.  Thou  art  a stranger  to  sweet  sensi- 
bility. Go,  distort  the  faces,  and  mark  the  insipid  mirth  of 
the  fools  who  court  thee  ; begone  from  those  who  can  taste 
the  tender  delight  of  weeping ! 

“ Dorathil-goase  ! Habib  ! how  charming  are  your  tears  ! 
how  they  exalt  every  beauty ! how  they  improve  every  feature 
of  those  angelic  faces  1 

Amirala  might  have  proceeded  longer  in  the  language 
of  poetry;  for  the  happiness  she  then  felt  had  inspired  her 
with  all  the  vivacity  of  youth ; but  the  situation  of  the  objects 
on  which  her  attention  was  fixed,  began  to  change.  The  re- 
past was  short;  the  governess  had  retired,  and  it  was  now  time 
that  Salamis  should  learn  from  his  son’s  own  mouth  in  what 
manner  he  was  restored  to  him  by  the  kindness  of  Heaven. 

The  young  hero  recounted  to  him  his  history,  from  the 
moment  he  set  out  on  the  expedition  to  Mount  Caucasus  ; he 
described  the  behavior  of  the  twenty  knights  till  the  instant 
they  left  him  exposed  in  the  desert  to  the  rigors  of  the  climate, 
to  famine,  to  thirst,  and  to  rage  of  the  ferocious  animals. 

He  described  all  his  exploits  in  the  most  natural  colors. 
Even  the  fault  he  termed  unpardonable  which  he  committed 
before  leaving  the  caverns,  and  the  consequences  that  followed 
that  error. 

He  proceeded  to  relate  his  meeting  with  the  daughters  of  the 
sea,  a meeting  which  was,  no  doubt,  ordained  by  fate.  He  de- 
scribed in  what  manner  his  labors  were  facilitated  by  their  assist- 
ance, and  how  they  had  in  a manner  saved  his  life.  In  short, 
he  expressed  the  extreme  felicity  he  enjoyed  since  the  moment 
of  his  union  with  the  charming  Dorathil-goase. 

He  concluded  with  mentioning  the  reasons  which  led  him  to 
return  to  Mount  Caucasus  ; how  he  there,  for  the  first  time^ 
learned  from  II  Haboul  the  unhappy  situation  of  his  father,  of 
his  mother,  and  of  his  whole  tribe  ; and  how,  on  this,  he  took 
the  resolution  of  hastening  to  Arabia. 

Salamis  eagerly  listened  to  this  narrative,  without  interrupt 


ARAB ZAJ\r  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


423 


ing  him.  When  he  had  done,  ‘‘  My  son,^^  said  he,  have  you 
not  resolved  to  punish  those  treacherous  knights  who  have  so 
basely  plotted  your  destruction  } 

“Father/'  said  Habib,  “I  think  it  unnecessary;  I leave 
them  to  the  stings  of  internal  remorse,  and  to  the  vengeance  of 
Heaven.  Such  despicable  monsters  are  so  mean,  so  far  beneath 
me,  that  I cannot  stoop  to  punish  them." 

“Your  sentiments,"  rejoined  Salamis,  “ are  truly  magnani- 
mous ; your  answer  is  worthy  of  a hero  ; but  you  should  also 
judge  as  a king.  Vengeance  ought  always  to  pursue  crimes, 
and  the  guilty  are  not  proper  objects  of  mercy.  But  after  their 
infamous  treachery  to  you,  what  wonder  is  it  that  their  cowardice 
has  been  the  chief  cause  of  all  the  disorders  which  have  des- 
olated our  tribe ; for  not  one  of  them  had  courage  enough  to 
face  an  enemy. 

“ They  have  oppressed  my  people  with  every  species  of  in- 
justice. The  crimes  they  have  committed  against  you  and 
against  myself  are  so  enormous,  that  you  expose  the  whole  tribe 
to  danger  in  suffering  them  to  live.  Besides,  as  you  are  now  to 
discover  yourself,  their  villany  must  come  to  light,  and  public 
justice  will  demand  their  punishment.  I might  add,  did  I not 
know  th^t  you  were  superior  to  such  fears,  that  they  would  still 
be  dangerous  enemies." 

Habib  yielded  to  these  reasons  ; and  entreated  his  father  to 
acquaint  him  with  the  particulars  of  that  unhappy  revolution  in 
Arabia,  which  II  Haboul  had  mentioned  to  him  only  in  general ; 
and  of  which  the  sad  effects  were  too  visible  on  the  face  of  the 
country. 

“ O my  son,"  resumed  the  virtuous  emir,  “ I call  on  you  to 
execute  vengeance  on  wretches  whose  existence  is  a disgrace  to 
humanity  ; and  while  I excite  you  to  repress  your  generous 
feelings,  that  you  may  secure  the  welfare  of  a people  over  whom 
you  may  hereafter  bear  rule,  it  is  a task  truly  painful  to  set 
before  your  eyes  the  unpleasing  picture  which  must  banish,  for 
the  time,  those  sentiments  of  universal  benevolence  which  should 
always  inspire  the  heart  of  a true  Mussulman. 

“ When  the  Arabians  saw  me  deprived  of  sight,  when  they 
could  no  longer  hope  to  triumph  by  my  arms,  nor  share  with 
me  in  my  conquests,  they  regarded  me  as  an  outcast  unworthy 
of  life.  The  emirs  that  I had  appointed  in  my  provinces  forgot 
that  they  owed  their  elevation  to  me.  They  all  deserted  their 
allegiance.  They  quarrelled  among  themselves,  nor  would  they 
even  listen  to  my  counsels. 

“ By  my  conduct  and  military  skill  they  had  subdued  the 


424 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


formidable  tribe  of  Kleb,  who  were  infidels,  worshippers  ot  the 
sun  and  the  stars.  We  were  obliged  to  reduce  them  to  servitude 
by  imposing  heavy  contributions,  which  rendered  them  impatient 
of  the  yoke. 

A warrior  started  up  among  them  named  Zir  ; a man  of 
enormous  stature  and  extraordinary  strength : he  was  naturally 
ambitious,  enterprising,  and  brave,  but  quarrelsome  and  cruel. 

“ Zir  had  excited  his  brethren  to  revolt ; they  flew  to  arms  ; 
and  while  the  emirs  were  disputing  with  each  other  about  the 
vain  honor  of  command,  they  were  routed,  their  forces  dispersed, 
and  their  flocks  driven  off.  The  few  that  were  not  entirely  sub- 
jected by  him  are  now  wandering  in  the  neighboring  deserts. 

“Thus  freed  from  every  enemy  whose  force  he  had  reason 
to  fear,  the  terrible  Zir  advanced  to  my  camp  to  accomplish  the 
most  important  part  of  his  project. 

“ The  tribe  of  Benihelal,  who  rendered  such  important  ser- 
vices to  our  holy  prophet,  was,  above  all  the  others,  odious  in 
die  eyes  of  the  infidels.  Zir  was  ambitious  of  subjecting  them 
to  the  same  degree  of  slavery  from  which  he  had  delivered  his 
own  people ; or  even,  if  he  could,  of  cutting  them  off,  root  and 
branch,  from  the  face  of  the  earth. 

“ The  favorable  situation  of  our  camp,  between  t\^  steep 
hills,  the  exact  discipline  which  I have  enjoined,  and  the  means 
I have  suggested  of  repelling  attacks  and  avoiding  surprise, 
have  hitherto  prevented  my  defeat;  but  we  are  daily  losing 
ground,  and  the  few  cattle  still  remaining  with  us  can  scarcely 
find  pasturage  sufficient  for  their  support. 

“ Had  you  not,  my  dear  son,  arrived  so  seasonably  ; had  not 
Heaven  been  pleased  to  restore  my  sight,  no  other  prospect  Vv^as 
before  us  than  death  or  the  most  humiliating  slavery. 

“Though  the  enemy,  from  a knowledge  of  ourposition,  have 
ceased  to  attempt  to  force  our  lines,  yet  they  daily  present  them- 
selves at  our  barriers,  and  exultingly  reproach  our  warriors  with 
cowardice.  None  of  them  have  courage  to  resent  those  cruel 
insults  ; and  one  might  imagine  that  the  whole  tribe  of  Benihelal 
was  reduced  to  women  and  infants.” 

This  recital  kindled  a flame  in  the  breast  of  Habib.  His 
father  forsaken — his  tribe  dishonored — these  were  ideas  alto- 
gether insupportable  ; but  above  all,  the  ungenerous  advantage 
which  Zir  had  taken  of  his  father’s  weakness,  filled  his  soul  with 
indignation  and  fury. 

“ O ! my  father  ! ” cried  he,  “ I hope  before  to-morrow’s 
dawn  to  begin  our  vengeance. 

“ Under  these  tiger  skins,  which  perhaps  you  have  not  yet 


ARABIAiV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


observed,  are  concealed  some  pieces  of  armor  of  no  ordinary 
kind,  which  were  given  me  by  II  Haboul  when  I last  visited 
Caucasus.  Your  groom  shall  prepare  me  a w^ar-horse.  I will 
fly  to  the  barrier,  tliere  to  await  the  insolent  bravadoes  of  our 
enemies,  and  give  them  a proper  reception. 

“ If  the  enemy  does  not  appear,  I will  rush  on  to  the  tents 
of  Zir,  and  dare  him  to  the  combat.’' 

And  where  shall  Salamis  be,”  cried  the  generous  old  war- 
rior, ‘‘  if  he  fails  to  accompany  his  son  in  so  glorious  an  enter- 
prise ? Here  are  two  suits  of  armor  under  the  tiger-skins.  I 
pray  thee  tell  me,  was  this  intended  for  your  wife  or  me  ? What 
Arab  is  able  to  bear  these  arms,  or  even  to  lift  this  lance  ? ” 

Having  said  this,  he  took  it  up,  and  brandished  it  in  the  air 
in  a terrible  manner.  While  he  wielded  the  enormous  lance,  it 
looked,  in  his  grasp,  like  a reed  in  the  hands  of  a child.  ‘‘  O 
Mohammed  ! ” exclaimed  he,  “ thou  hast  restored  two  chiefs  to 
thy  tribe  ; restore,  also,  to  the  people  their  courage  and  their 
strength.” 

Amirala  and  Dorathil-goase,  far  from  being  alarmed  for  the 
safety  of  their  husbands,  were  delighted  to  see  them  assist  each 
other  in  adjusting  their  armor,  and  to  observe  the  graceful 
manner  in  which  they,  by  turns,  tried  the  weight  and  temper  of 
their  weapons. 

When  they  were  completely  armed,  they  embraced  : ‘‘  Thou 
art  my  son,”  said  Salamis  ; I am  thy  father.  To-day  we  are 
brothers  and  rivals  in  the  field  of  honor. 

Pity  it  is  we  have  none  to  contend  with  but  slaves  ! Let 
us,  however,  take  comfort ; we  fight  for  the  great  prophet,  and 
our  glory  is  connected  with  his.” 

Salamis  then  called  his  groom.  ‘‘  Prepare  for  us,”  said  he, 
‘‘  two  horses  of  the  noblest  breed  : let  them  be  caparisoned  in 
these  trappings,  and  conduct  them  to  your  tent.  Keep  them  in 
readiness  till  daybreak,  when  we  shall  mount. 

God  has  been  pleased  to  restore  my  strength,  as  you  see, 
together  with  my  sight. 

To-morrow,  my  son  and  I go  to  receive  the  challenge  of 
the  rebel  knights  from  the  army  of  Zir. 

When  we  set  out  from  your  tent,  you  will  follow  at  a small 
distance.  You  may  answer  to  those  in  the  camp  who  inquire 
who  we  are,  that  these  are  two  strangers,  knights,  who  come  to 
offer  their  services  to  Salamis.” 

The  groom  retired  to  do  as  he  had  been  commanded  ; and 
the  darkness  of  the  night  enabled  him  to  execute  his  orders 
without  being  perceived. 


426  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

The  guards  who  kept  the  passages  to  the  emir^s  tents  saw 
the  groom  enter  without  suspicion ; and  as  they  knew  him  to  be 
the  emir’s  servant  suffered  him  to  take  from  thence  two  horses 
without  the  least  disturbance. 

At  daybreak  the  two  warriors,  armed  cap-a-pie,  after  taking 
the  most  affectionate  leave  of  their  spouses,  went  out  unob- 
served. They  came  to  the  groom’s  tent,  mounted  their  horses, 
and  rode  up  to  the  barriers  to  await  the  approach  of  Zir’s  war- 
riors, who  came  there  daily  to  renew  their  insults. 

Nor  had  they  long  to  wait.  Six  knights,  in  complete  armor, 
soon  made  their  appearance  ; and,  followed  by  a small  party  of 
their  attendants,  advanced  towards  the  barriers  of  the  camp. 
One  of  them  alighted,  and  thus  addressed  the  guard  who  kept 
that  post  : 

People  of  Arabia  : Are  you  mad  ? Would  you  remain 
ingloriously  penned  up  like  your  cattle,  on  the  last  of  which 
you  now  feed Would  you  suffer  famine  and  death  for  the 
sake  of  a poor  blind  man  1 Our  chains  are  honorable,  and  are 
destined  to  be  worn  by  the  bravest  people  of  the  earth.  Sub- 
mit, then,  to  the  common  lot  of  the  nations  conquered  by  our 
arms.  You  shall  be  permitted  to  become  a footstool  to  the 
throne  of  the  mighty  emir  Zir,  our  glorious  sovereign.  Leave, 
then,  for  shame,  this  feeble  old  man,  who  can  only  share  with 
you  his  disgrace  and  imbecility.  You  shall  even  be  allowed  to 
mix  with  our  tribe,  and  there  forget  the  ignominy  of  your  own. 
Why  not  forsake  a prince  abandoned  by  Heaven,  who  has  not 
among  his  friends  one  knight  bold  enough  to  face  the  weakest 
of  us.^” 

“ Thou  liest,  vile  slave  of  a rebel  slave ! ” cried  Habib, 
who  had  suddenly  started  from  behind  the  palisade.  He  then 
struck  the  visor  of  his  casque  with  one  of  his  gauntlets  as  a 
signal  of  defiance. 

“ I here  defy  thee,”  said  Habib,  ‘‘and  challenge  thee  to  en- 
gage a knight  of  the  great  Salamis.” 

In  the  mean  time  the  valiant  husband  of  Dorathil-goase 
overleaped  the  barrier,  and  came  up  with  his  adversary  before 
he  had  time  to  remount  his  horse,  or  lay  hold  of  his  shield. 

Habib  threw  away  his,  disdaining  the  least  advantage  of  that 
sort,  and  the  fight  began.  But  the  victory  was  soon  decided 
in  favor  of  the  son  of  Salamis.  Habib  scarcely  struck  a blow 
that  did  not  pierce  the  armor  of  his  antagonist,  and  he  fell 
dead  at  his  feet  before  the  other  knights  of  the  tribe  of  Kleb 
could  advance  to  assist  their  companion  in  arms. 

He  who  first  came  up,  forgetting  the  laws  of  war  and  of 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


427 

honor,  tried  to  overthrow  Habib  by  rushing  on  him  vvu..  his 
horse.  The  brave  son  of  Salamis  avoided  the  shock,  and  with 
a mortal  blow  smote  his  adversary  to  the  ground. 

Salamis,  who  had  just  passed  the  barrier,  met  the  third 
knight,  and  dispatched  him.  Habib,  who  had  now  taken  his 
horse,  joined  his  father,  and  both  fell  upon  the  three  remaining 
warriors  of  the  tribe  of  Kleb. 

These  knights^  would  have  sought  safety  in  flight  had  not 
the  shame  of  being  seen  by  their  attendants  restrained  them. 
Fear,  however,  had  seized  their  hearts  ; they  suffered  them- 
selves to  be  disarmed,  and  the  fate  of  their  companions  com- 
pleted their  terror. 

Salamis  and  his  son  returned  to  the  camp.  Every  one  who 
bore  the  title  of  knight  in  the  tribe  of  Benihelal,  came  about 
them  half  armed.  Joy,  mixed  with  suspicion  and  shame,  ap- 
peared in  their  faces.  They  asked,  ‘‘Who  can  they  be  ? PTom 
whence  are  those  wonderful  strangers  who  have  displayed  such 
intrepidity  against  our  enemies,  who  have  so  easily  triumphed 
in  the  unequal  contest  of  two  against  six  ? ” 

The  two  knights  did  not  remove  the  visors  of  their  casques. 
They  answered  those  who  praised  their  valor,  only  by  a grace- 
ful inclination  of  the  head.  They  observed  a profound  silence, 
and  the  groom  who  spoke  for  them,  told  the  people  that  they 
were  two  noble  and  valiant  strangers,  who  were  come  to  offer 
their  services  to  the  emir ; and  that  they  had  requested  to  be 
conducted  to  his  tent,  that  they  might  be  introduced  to  him. 

The  two  heroes  again  mounted  their  steeds  and  proceeded 
to  the  tent  of  Salamis.  The  groom  led  the  way,  went  on  be- 
fore them  as  if  to  announce  their  arrival,  and  afterwards  intro- 
duced them  with  a mysterious  air. 

They  were  received  with  open  arms  by  Amirala  and  Dora- 
thil-goase.  The  steel  in  which  they  were  clad  seemed  to  yield 
and  become  soft  in  the  tender  embrace. 

A victorious  knight  is  an  object  of  the  highest  delight  to 
his  lady.  Can  any  title  be  more  pleasing,  even  amidst  the 
most  endearing  caresses  ? These  two  happy  pairs  indulged 
their  mutual  fondness  without  restraint  j for  love,  tempered 
with  virtue,  knows  no  bounds,  and  can  never  arrive  at  excess. 

The  heroes  were  assisted  in  putting  off  their  arms  by  theii 
fair  spouses,  who,  with  their  own  hands,  served  them  with  a 
repast.  Salamis  was  informed  that  his  tent  was  surrounded 
by  a multitude  of  inquisitive  people  of  all  ranks.  He  gave 
orders  to  tell  them,  tha^:,  having  passed  the  night  uneasily,  he 
had  need  of  repose.  At  the  same  time  he  commanded  procla- 


428 


ARABIAN  mCHTS*  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


mation  to  be  made  in  the  camp,  that  he  would  hold  a great 
council  of  all  his  knights  immediately  after  mid-day  prayers. 

The  rumor  had  been  spread  that  a physician  had  arrived, 
who  was  to  operate  on  the  emir’s  eyes  ; but  both  he  and  his 
slave  had  disappeared.  It  was  believed  by  some  that  the  emir 
having  no  confidence  in  the  operation  proposed,  had  abruptly 
sent  away  the  person  who  came  to  attempt  it. 

Others  again  asked,  when,  and  in  what  manner,  two  knights 
in  complete  armor  could  have  been  introduced  to  a fortified 
camp,  and  penetrate  to  the  emir’s  tent,  without  being  seen  b}? 
the  guards  or  any  other  person  ? 

While  the  people  were  perplexing  themselves  with  conjec- 
tures on  these  subjects,  Salamis,  Amirala,  Habib,  and  Dorathih 
goase  retired  to  refresh  themselves,  after  so  much  fatigue,  with 
a short  repose.  All  who  were  to  be  present  at  the  council  pre- 
pared to  hear  something  new  and  wonderful,  whatever  it  might 
be,  and  none  failed  to  attend  exactly  at  the  hour  appointed. 

Salamis  received  his  knights,  seated  on  a sofa — leaning  his 
forehead  on  his  hand  that  they  might  not  remark  the  new 
lustre  which  reanimated  his  countenance. 

When  the  assembly  was  full,  and  every  one  had  taken  his 
place,  he  thus  addressed  them  : “ Emirs  and  knights,  who  were 
the  glory  of  the  tribe  of  Benihelal,  before  it  incurred  the  wrath 
of  the  great  prophet,  I scarce  could  have  flattered  myself  with 
the  hope  of  discovering  the  cause  of  our  punishment,  nor  of 
seeing  an  end  to  the  progress  of  misfortune. 

Placing  my  hope  in  God  alone,  I was  always  resigned  to 
his  will ; and  he  has  at  last  been  pleased  to  reveal  to  me  the 
dreadful  crimes  of  which  some  brethren  of  our  tribe  have  been 
guilty.  These  have  provoked  Heaven,  and  drawn  down  its 
vengeance  on  our  heads. 

“ O emirs  ! and  more  especially  ye  Arabian  knights  who 
now  hear  me!  You  have  among  you  some  base  and  false 
hearts — souls  stained  with  the  blackest  treasons,  and  the  mos^ 
horrid  crimes  ! 

‘‘  As  soon  as  their  enormities  were  committed,  Mohammed 
withdrew  his  favor.  The  heavens  were  reversed,  and  every 
star  was  against  us.  We  became  a prey  to  the  infidels. 

Myself,  being  your  chief,  though  innocent,  was  struck  with 
blindness,  and  found  my  power  wrested  from  me,  and  my  coun* 
sels  despised.  Even  your  natural  courage  has  forsaken  your 
hearts,  and  you  can  no  longer  face  an  enemy.  You  are  be- 
come the  subject  of  their  raillery.  Those  who  once  exulted 
in  their  strength  have  felt  their  knees  tremble  and  have  crept 
behind  their  intrenchments*. 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


429 


“ The  tribes  who  were  subjected  to  me  have  thrown  off  their 
allegiance ; without,  however,  escaping  the  disasters  which 
guilt  has  brought  on  the  tents  of  the  Arabs.  Their  enemies,  as 
weak  as  ourselves,  but  still  more  imprudent,  have,  by  their  in- 
ternal divisions,  suffered  their  brethren  to  sink  under  the  sword 
of  their  rebel  slaves  ; and  those  who  have  not  attempted  to  gain 
advantages  by  rebellion,  have  fled  to  the  inhospitable  deserts 
of  this  country,  there  to  seek  a miserable  and  inglorious 
asylum  ! 

‘‘  Our  misfortunes,  arrived  almost  at  the  highest  pitch,  have, 
at  last,  excited  the  compassion  of  Heaven  ; and  divine  justice 
now  only  demands  from  us  the  punishment  of  those  crimes  for 
which  it  had,  with  regret,  pursued  the  innocent  with  the  guilty, 
in  order  that  a more  severe  chastisement  may  be  inflicted  on 
the  camp  of  the  enemy. 

“ Consent,  then,  instantly  to  deliver  up  to  justice  those  who 
are  found  worthy  of  punishment  — those  wretches  who  have 
drawn  down  the  vengeance  of  Heaven  on  the  faithful  Mussul- 
mans of  Arabia ! ’’ 

The  emir  had  pronounced  this  speech  with  a tone  of  firm- 
ness and  authority,  that  his  audience  could  scarce  have  ex- 
pected from  one  in  the  humiliating  situation  they  still  supposed 
him.  They  gazed  on  each  other  in  silent  astonishment.  Some 
looked  down,  fixing  their  eyes  on  the  earth ; but  the  unani- 
mous voice  seemed  to  declare,  that  the  horrid  crimes  which  had 
provoked  the  wrath  of  Heaven  against  their  tribe,  should  be 
expiated  by  the  death  of  the  guilty. 

Are  proofs  wanted  1 said  the  emir,  while  Habib  stepped 
from  behind  a curtain  where  he  stood  concealed  : ‘‘  Come 

forth,  my  son,  convict  these  nineteen  knights  who  stand  before 
us,  of  the  false  report  they  made  of  your  death,  both  to  myself 
and  to  the  whole  tribe.’’ 

Then  turning  to  the  criminals  : “ Base  and  cruel  impostors, 
can  you  deny  that  I intrusted  you,  in  preference  to  others,  with 
the  care  and  protection  of  your  young  prince  ; that  yc  j,  adding 
treachery  to  cowardice,  resolved  to  abandon  him  ; and  that  to 
escape  my  vengeance,  you  left  him  in  his  sleep,  destitute  of 
resource,  and  even  of  his  arms, — exposed  to  hunger  and  thirst, 
to  the  fury  of  the  elements,  and  the  rage  of  wild  beasts  ? ” 

The  sight  of  Habib  was  like  a stroke  of  thunder  to  the 
guilty  knights.  Salamis  thus  proceeded  ' 

“ Knights  of  the  tribe  of  Benihelal : to  you  it  belongs  to  pro- 
nounce the  sentence,  and  order  the  execution  of  the  criminals. 
To  you  it  belongs  to  avenge  the  children  of  Mohammed  on 


430 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


those  who  have  brought  dishonor  on  his  favorite  tribe,  and  the 
scourge  of  divine  justice  on  the  whole  people.” 

The  criminals  were  mule,  nor  could  they  offer  a word  in 
their  own  defence.  They  were  surrounded,  bound,  and  their 
armor  torn  off  piece  by  piece  ; being  immediately  delivered  over 
to  the  executioners,  they  were  led  out  of  the  camp,  their  heads 
struck  off  with  a sabre,  and  their  bodies  left  exposed  as  a prey 
to  the  ravenous  beasts. 

Rabir  had  been  saved  from  the  infamy  of  this  punishment 
by  his  death,  which  happened  soon  after  his  return.  The  hor- 
ror of  having  consented  to  such  an  enormity  had  hastened  his 
end,  which  might  otherwise  have  been  regarded  as  premature. 

Having  thus  done  justice  to  their  royal  chief,  the  knights 
made  haste  to  testify  their  joy  at  the  return  of  Habib. 

While  Salamis  spoke  to  them,  the  importance  of  his  dis' 
course  so  entirely  captivated  their  attention,  that  they  had  not 
remarked  the  sparkling  orbs  which  now  reanimated  his  looks. 

On  their  return,  Salamis  addressed  them  one  after  another, 
with  graceful  condescension  : and  all  remarked  with  astonish- 
ment the  return  of  his  sight.  ‘‘  Have  you  not  heard,”  said  the 
emir,  “ of  the  physician  who  was  last  night  introduced  to  me, 
and  whose  secret  remedy  has,  by  the  grace  of  God  and  his 
prophet,  proved  effectual  ? Nor  is  this  the  only  favor  which 
Heaven  has  bestowed  on  us. 

‘‘  The  victory  which  my  son  and  I obtained  this  morning,  is 
the  pledge  of  future  glory.  Brave  Arabians  ! the  stain  of  guilt 
is  no  longer  upon  you  * resume  your  wonted  strength  and  mil- 
itary ardor ; prepare  to  attack  the  tents  of  Zir.  I ask  none  to 
follow  me  but  my  valiant  knights  : my  other  warriors  may  re- 
main to  protect  our  flocks  in  the  rich  pastures  I shall  point  out. 
A sufficient  guard  will  also  be  left  in  die  camp. 

“ Let  all  our  subject  tribes  who  are  wandering  in  the  desert 
be  informed,  that,  by  to-morrow,  terror  shall  reign  in  the  tents 
of  our  enemies,  and  fear  shall  be  banished  from  the  breast  of 
all  those  who  repair  to  the  standard  of  Salamis. 

“ While  we  are  collecting  a body  of  forces,  whose  appear- 
ance may  be  sufficiently  formidable  to  intimidate  the  enemy, 
and  thus  save  us  the  pain  of  entering  upon  a bloody  war,  1 hope 
you,  my  dear  friends,  and  all  the  remaining  people  of  Arabia, 
who  serve  the  true  God,  will  join  me,  on  this  just  occasion,  in 
thanking  Heaven  for  its  favors. 

“ The  return  of  Habib,  and  the  recovery  of  my  sight,  are 
not,  however,  the  only  subjects  of  my  happiness.  The  Queen 
of  the  Seven  Seas  at  the  extremity  of  the  east^  the  fair  Dor- 


ARJBIA?/  JV/Gf/TS^  ENTERTAIJVMENTS. 


43# 


athil-goase,  the  wife  whom  the  stars  had  destined  to  my  son— 
she  herself  is  the  messenger  of  Heaven  sent  to  restore  the 
strength  of  my  youth,  and  with  it  the  power  of  lifting  those  eyes 
to  Heaven  which  were  before  involved  in  darkness  ! 

Let  this  news,  be  proclaimed  in  every  country  where  the 
laws  of  the  Alcoran  are  obeyed,  that  all  people  may  give  thanks 
to  God  and  his  prophet. 

Let  days  of  thanksgiving  be  appointed.  But  these  re- 
ligious festivals  are  not  intended  for  the  indulgence  of  sensual 
appetites ; it  is  the  soul  that  should  rejoice  at  the  return  of 
those  blessings  so  unexpected  and  so  wonderful. 

“ May  our  expressions  of  pious  gratitude,  and  our  shouts  of 
joy,  be  re-echoed  in  the  tents  of  Zir,  and  cause  the  hearts  of 
our  enemies  to  quake  with  terror.’’ 

The  ceremonies  of  the  thanksgiving  were  publicly  and  unan- 
’mously  celebrated  in  the  camp  of  Salamis  with  all  the  solem- 
nity and  pomp  which  the  present  circumstances  permitted. 

Dorathil-goase  received  the  blessing  and  the  homage  of  the 
whole  tribe  of  Benihelal,  and  the  camp  resounded  with  the  ac- 
clamations of  joy,  which  were  intermingled  with  the  noise  occa- 
sioned by  the  general  festival. 

The  camp  of  Salamis  now  wore  the  appearance  of  the 
highest  prosperity.  The  happy  news  spread  abroad,  and  at- 
tracted manny  knights  of  the  other  tribes,  who  had  been  separa- 
ted from  their  prince  during  his  misfortunes. 

Salamis  received  them  graciously,  and  made  Habib  and  his 
spouse  also  show  them  every  mark  of  kindness.  He  antici- 
pated the  excuses,  and  saved  them  the  confusion  of  oifering  an 
apology  for  their  conduct,  by  referring  all  that  had  happened 
to  the  chastisement  of  Heaven.  In  fifteen  days  the  emir  saw 
himself  surrounded  with  a respectable  and  numerous  train  <J 
knights,  glowing  with  desire  to  repair,  by  feats  of  arms,  the  shame 
of  defection  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  disgrace  of  inaction  on 
the  other. 

Zir  was  not  ignorant  of  this  revolution.  The  defeat  of  his 
six  warriors  had  made  him  expect  such  a piece  of  news.  Three 
of  them  fell  in  the  field  of  battle  ; three  were  prisoners  in 
the  camp  of  Salamis.  The  latter  had  communicated  to  their 
tribe  the  news  which  had  reached  them  even  in  their  prison. 
Zir  was  struck  with  astonishment  at  hearing  of  the  sudden  cure 
of  Salamis,  and  the  return  of  Habib  with  the  fair  queen  whom 
he  had  married. 

He  now  understood  who  the  two  strangers  were  who  had 
fought  against  his  six  knights ; and  he  regretted  that  he  had 


432 


ARABIAI^  NIGHTS^  ENTER7AINMEN’TS. 


not  himself  appeared  before  the  enemy^s  lines,  that  he  might 
have  sustained  the  shock  where  his  warriors  were  so  unequal  to 
the  contest. 

His  confidence  in  his  own  strength  made  him  believe  that 
he  would  have  come  off  victorious.  But  he  resolved  to  wipe  off 
the  dishonor  which  that  action  had  cast  on  his  arms,  by  chal- 
lenging Salamis  to  single  combat  in  the  face  of  his  own  camp. 

Yemana,  his  sister,  a princess  distinguished  for  good  sense 
and  beauty,  though  she  believed  her  brother’s  strength  and 
courage  to  be  more  than  human,  yet  dissuaded  him  from  the 
rash  attempt. 

My  brother,”  said  she,  you  will  perhaps  regard  my 
opinion  as  influenced  by  principles  which  you  are  not  willing  to 
admit.  How  formidable  soever  his  strength  may  be  who  has 
long  been  called  the  great  Salamis,  were  I not  to  attribute  any- 
thing to  fortune,  I would  consider  you  as  at  least  his  equal 
match  ; but  I attribute  much  to  the  aspect  of  the  stars. 

“ Their  malign  influence  has  already  been  shed  on  the  tribe 
of  Benihelal.  That  tribe,  and  all  the  people  subject  to  it, 
have  been  delivered  into  your  hands,  and  you  have  hitherto 
triumphed. 

“ But,  my  dear  brother,  the  heavens  change  and  the  influ- 
ence of  the  stars  may  also  change. 

“ It  is  a maxim  universally  admitted,  that  misfortunes 
never  come  singly.  We  also  reckon  upon  a run  of  good  luck ; 
but  we  never  think  of  tracing  the  matter  to  its  first  source. 

“Consider,  then,  th^  happy  and  even  miraculous  events 
which  have  already  favored  your  enemies ; and  consult  the 
surest  means,  according  to  the  course  of  your  destiny,  and 
without  taking  your  glory  into  the  account,  how  you  may  insure 
your  personal  safety,  on  which  the  security  of  the  whole  tribe 
of  Kleb  absolutely  depends.” 

“It  will  be  time  enough  to  think  of  all  this,  sister,” 
answered  Zir,  “ after  I have  conquered  Salamis.  His  power 
is  less  odious  to  me  than  his  glory.  I have  seen  it  overthrown, 
but  it  again  springs  up  from  its  ruins.  He  has  set  up  his  son, 
too,  as  a fresh  obstacle  to  my  reputation. 

“ All  Arabia  is  too  narrow  to  satisfy  my  ambition  ; how 
then  could  I bear  two  rivals  Your  stars,  sister,  may  do  as 
they  please  ; but  if  they  are  against  me,  I shall  make  them  be- 
come pale  with  fear  for  the  champions  they  prefer  before  me.” 

While  Yemana  and  her  brother  held  this  discourse,  Salamis, 
at  the  head  of  his  vassals,  advanced  towards  the  tents  of  the 
tribe  of  Kleb,  which  were  only  about  three  leagues  from  his  camp. 


AJ^ABIAN  N/GHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


433 


This  was  but  a short  march  ; and  Zir,  being  informed  of 
their  approach,  led  out  an  equal  number  of  warriors.  The 
two  armies  now  faced  each  other  at  a little  more  than  a bow- 
shot distance. 

The  proud  and  gigantic  Zir,  mounted  on  a high-mettled 
charger,  insultingly  pranced  along  the  front  of  his  squadrons 
Salamis  was  advancing  to  challenge  him  to  single  combat. 
“No,  my  father,  no!’’  cried  the  youthful  warrior;  “Heaven 
has  preserved  me  and  sent  me  here  to  take  vengeance  on  your 
enemies.” 

“ You  are  too  young,  my  Habib,”  answered  the  tender 
father ; “ your  limbs  have  not  yet  acquired  a sufficient  degree 
of  strength  to  sustain  a contest  with  a giant.” 

“ Ah  I ” said  Dorathil-goase,  “ do  not  doubt  that  the  hero 
who  has  sprung  from  you  will  show  himself  worthy  of  his  high 
descent.  Be  contented  with  the  glory  you  have  already  ac- 
quired, and  intrust  your  quarrel  to  my  Habib  ; you  shall  soon 
see  that  no  giant  is  a match  for  him.” 

The  joint  entreaties  of  Habib,  Amirala,  and  Dorathil-goase, 
at  last  made  the  brave  emir  yield  to  his  son  the  honor  of 
giving  the  challenge. 

Habib  laid  aside  the  Parthian  lance,  and  took  one  of  the 
usual  form  in  Arabia,  that  he  might  be  on  an  equal  footing 
with  his  antagonist.  He  advanced  with  his  visor  lifted  up, 
and  presenting  himself  gracefully  on  his  noble  steed,  gave  the 
signal  of  defence. 

Zir  came  up,  and  assuming  a tone  of  irony,  “ How  sweet/’ 
said  he,  “ is  the  silver  tone  of  thy  voice.  Pray,  art  thou  not  a 
woman?”  “ You  shall  know  me,  by  and  by,  for  what  I am,” 
answered  Habib,  fiercely. 

“Ha  I I remember  you,  my  pretty  baby.  I have  seen 
you  dandled  on  Amirala’s  knees.  How  handsome  you  are! 
Your  father,  sure,  did  not  send  you  to  fight  with  me ! He 
knows  that  I love  youth.  Go,  tell  him  that  I wait  for  him, 
and  that  I will  contend  with  none  but  men.” 

“ My  father,”  replied  Habib,  “ scorns  to  fight  with  his 
rebel  slave.  I have  learned,  even  in  my  mother’s  arms,  to  de- 
spise insolence.” 

“ But,  young  man,  I shall  now  be  forced  to  bestow  on  your 
mother  a mourning  garb,  which  she  need  not  hope  to  quit  a 
second  time.  Go,  I say,  fetch  me  your  father.  However  vain 
he  may  be  of  his  former  victories,  would  not  the  trophy  of  my 
arms,  if  he  should  triumph  over  me,  be  a noble  ornament  dis- 
played upon  his  tent  ? ” 


28 


AJ^AB/AN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


I have  already  told  thee,  slave,  that  my  father  will  not  dc 
thee  the  honor,  to  accept  thy  challenge.  Thirty  times  hast 
thou  followed  him  to  battle,  singing  his  victories  over  warriors 
more  valiant  than  thyself ; nor  could  thy  defeat  add  anything 
to  his  glory.  Thou  shalt  not  have  the  trouble  of  sending  a 
mourning  dress  to  my  mother  ; nor  can  I do  the  like  to  yours  ; 
it  is  well  known  that  you  are  even  ignorant  of  her  name  ; — but 
I here  promise  to  present  a full  suit  to  your  sister,  Yemana.” 

‘‘  Rash  fool  1 cried  Zir,  pushing  on  his  horse ; “ I have 
been  led  to  battle,  singing  the  victories  of  your  father,  be- 
cause the  tribe  of  Kleb  were  slaves,  and  slaves  must  sing  any^ 
thing.  Your  mother  and  the  adventure-queen  you  have  brought 
from  the  deserts  shall  sing  mine  to-morrow.  They  shall  wear 
my  chains  and  be  subject  to  my  will,  or  their  blood  shall  stain 
the  earth,  or  be  mingled  with  thine  and  thy  father^s.’^  Hav- 
ing said  this,  he  threw  his  lance  with  vast  force  against  Habib. 

The  young  warrior  observed  its  direction,  and  by  a skilful 
and  sudden  motion  of  his  body  evaded  the  blow.  The  lance 
passed  over  him,  and  fell  at  the  distance  of  thirty  paces. 

Habib,  lifting  up  his  lance,  presented  it  to  the  throat  of 
Zir.  “ Thou  hast  dared,’’  said”  he,  “ to  pronounce  the  name 
of  my  mother  and  my  spouse  in  terms  of  insult,  like  a mean 
coward.  Thou  hast  a sister  who  is  very  weak ; she  will  be 
more  so  after  thy  death,  and  shall  be  the  more  entitled  to  my 
compassion.”  Then  gently  tapping  upon  his  shoulder  with 
the  point  of  his  lance,  ‘‘Go,”  said  he,  “take  up  your  weapon 
where  your  awkwardness  has  made  you  throw  it.  Armed,  1 
despise  thee  I unarmed,  thou  art  an  object  of  ridicule  ! ” Zir, 
distracted  with  rage,  flew  to  seize  the  lance,  and  returning  to 
the  attack,  again  threw  it  against  Habib  with  all  the  force  that 
fury  could  add  to  an  arm  that  was  thought  irresistible. 

Habib,  by  the  most  dexterous  movement  imaginable,  with- 
drew his  body  from  the  stroke  by  passing  his  leg  under  the 
belly  of  his  horse.  The  weapon  glanced  along  within  half  a 
foot  of  the  saddle,  and  its  point  pierced  the  trunk  of  a tree  a< 
some  distance. 

Habib  now  threw  down  his  ^vn  lance  ; and  Zir  was  more 
than  ever  enraged  at  this  fresh  mark  of  contempt. 

He  drew  his  cimeter,  and  assailed  Habib  with  innumerable 
blows,  which  fell  on  ever}'’  part  of  his  armor  as  thick  as  hail. 

In  this  contest  the  strength  of  the  combatants  might  be 
nearly  equal ; but  in  skill  and  presence  of  mind  there  was  a 
great  disparity.  Every  stroke  given  by  Zir  was  foreseen  and 
warded  off ; but  those  of  his  antagonist  always  took  effect, 


ARABIA/^  NIGHTS^  EN^TEBTAIJVMEJVTS. 


435 


never  failed  to  carry  away  some  portion  of  Zir’s  strong  armor. 
Many  passages  were  thus  opened  to  the  sword  ; and  while  the 
giant  lifted  his  arm  against  the  son  of  Salamis,  the  young  hero, 
with  a reversed  blow,  struck  off  his  hand  by  the  wrist.  Zir 
attempted  to  save  bimself  by  flight ; but  a second  stroke  laid 
his  head  at  the  feet  of  the  conqueror. 

Both  the  camps,  and  even  the  women,  were  witnesses  to  the 
contest  between  Habib  and  the  gigantic  Zir.  The  l^nights  of 
both  parties  were  filled  with  the  highest  admiration  at  the  dis- 
course and  gallant  behavior  of  the  son  of  Salamis.  “ What 
generosity  ! what  moderation  ! ’’  cried  they.  So  much  activity, 
grace,  and  skill,  united  to  such  strength  and  valor,  must  surely 
be  irresistible  ! ’’ 

But  though  there  could  be  only  one  opinion  as  to  the  merits 
of  the  combat,  its  consequences  to  the  opposite  parties  were 
very  different. 

Consternation  seized  the  tribe  of  Kleb  ; they  thought  them- 
selves vanquished  by  a single  arm.  The  knighthood  returned 
to  their  camp  that  they  might  withdraw  their  most  valuable 
effects  from  the  pillage  which  they  regarded  as  the  inevitable 
consequence  of  their  defeat. 

Already  did  the  people  disperse  in  small  parties,  consulting 
together  how  they  might  escape  by  flight  from  a state  of  slavery 
more  dreadful  than  that  which  they  had  endeavored  to  shake 
off.  The  followers  of  Salamis,  on  the  other  hand,  advanced  in 
good  order,  that  they  might  avail  themselves  of  the  advantage 
gained  by  the  son  of  their  emir,  and  the  disorder  of  the  enemy. 

Habib,  confident  of  his  strength,  courage,  and  good  fortune, 
entered  the  camp  of  the  tribe  of  Kleb,  followed  by  a few  warriors 
whom  none  ventured  to  oppose,  and  ordered  that  he  should  be 
conducted  to  the  tent  of  the  princess  Yemana. 

That  princess,  accompanied  by  fifty  guards  who  attended 
her  person,  had  viewed  the  combat  at  a distance  mounted  upon 
a hodage^^  which  had  been  raised  higher  than  usual  on  the  back 
of  her  hetnacka. 

The  warriors  who  had  led  on  the  party  commanded  by  Sa- 
lamis, came  up  to  their  young  sultan,  who  placed  them  about 
Yemana  and  sent  others  to  prevent  pillage,  and  to  recover 
whatever  plunder  had  been  already  made  by  his  people.  At 
the  moment  Salamis  was  giving  orders  to  pursue  the  detached 
bands  of  the  tribes  of  Kleb,  he  was  amazed  to  see  the  people 
come  peaceably  and  range  themselves  under  their  tents. 

• The  ladies  of  Arabia  commonly  ride  on  female  camels  called  hetnacka-  The  carpets 
that  cover  the  camels’  backs  are  rolled  into  a sort  of  cushion,  on  which  the  lady  and  her 
slave  are  seated.  This  is  namtsi  hodage. 


430 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAUSTMENTS. 


He  soon  learned  that  this  was  owing  to  the  prudent  conduct 
of  his  son.  He  came  into  the  camp  accompanied  by  Amirala 
and  Dorathil-goase,  and  was  shown  to  the  tents  of  Yemana. 

When  they  advanced,  the  princess  of  Kleb  arose  that  she 
might  present  herself  to  them  as  a suppliant.  Habib  would 
not  suffer  her  to  kneel,  but  thus  addressed  his  father. 

O ! my  glorious  sovereign  ! said  he,  ‘‘  I have  promised 
your  clemency  to  Yemana,  princess  of  the  tribe  of  Kleb.  She 
possesses  ■every  great  quality  that  can  fit  her  for  the  throne. 
Besides,  if  she  swerved  from  her  duty,  it  was  owing  to  her 
brother,  for  she  never  took  part  against  us  ; and  she  has  re- 
quested to  be  reinstated  in  your  good  graces,  in  a manner  so 
handsome,  so  worthy  of  herself,  that  I have  promised  her  favor 
In  your  name,  in  that  of  my  mother,  and  of  the  charming 
Dorathil-goase.” 

Confiding  in  what  his  son  had  said  in  favor  of  Yemena, 
Salamis  assented  to  whatever  he  had  done  for  the  princess. 

knew  that  she  had  none  of  the  vices  of  her  brother  ; and 
tnat  she  was  even  willing  to  embrace  the  doctrines  of  the 
Alcoran. 

Madam,”  said  he,  ‘‘  I here  ratify  with  joy  all  that  my  son 
has  aone  for  you,  and,”  added  he,  ‘‘you  appear  so  worthy,  that 
I should  be  happy,  if  possible,  to  add  new  favors  to  those  which 
he  has  already  conferred  on  you.”  At  the  same  time  Amirala 
and  Dorathil-goase  embraced  the  new  princess  of  Kleb  with 
unfeigned  affection. 

They  would  nave  willingly  conducted  her  to  the  tents  of 
Benihelal,  there  to  console  her,  by  their  caresses,  for  the  loss 
Oi  a brother  who  was  so  dear  to  her ; but  her  presence  was 
necessary  at  his  funeral,  which  was  celebrated  with  all  the  cere- 
monies of  mourning  usual  in  that  tribe,  and  likewise  for  estab- 
lishing good  order  among  the  people  of  whom  she  had  now 
assumed  the  management. 

Habib,  that  nothing  might  be  wanting,  ordered  a hundred 
knights  to  wait  her  orders.  The  venerable  emir  now  returned 
to  the  tents  of  Benihelal  with  his  family,  and  was  received  with 
songs  of  triumph.  % 

The  praises  of  Habib  resounded  from  every  quarter,  and 
the  subject  of  the  song  was  his  victory  over  Zir. 

“But,  good  people,”  cried  Dorathil-goase,  “what  has  my 
husband  done  ? What  else  do  you  expect  from  the  son  of  the 
great  Salamis  } You  mistake  the  object  of  your  praise.  De- 
licious fruit  is  pleasing  to  the  taste  ; but  it  is  the  tree  that  bears 
it  which  merits  your  esteem  ! ” 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  EJVTEBTA/JVMBJVTS. 


437 


For  ten  days  nothing  was  to  be  seen  in  the  tents  of  Eeni- 
helal  but  feasting  and  rejoicing.  The  most  distant  tribes  of 
the  Arabs,  who  had  fled  from  the  tyranny  of  Zir,  collected 
around  the  camp  ot  their  ancient  emir  ; their  tents  are  pitched 
near  him,  and  he  again  sees  himself  at  the  head  of  his  sixty-six 
tribes,  his  strength  restored,  and  his  authority  more  firmly  es 
tablished  than  ever. 

After  the  ten  days’  festival,  Yemana,  attended  by  the  chiefs 
of  her  tribe,  came  to  pay  homage  to  her  sovereign.  She  still 
wore  her  mourning  dress,  which  greatly  improved  the  softness 
of  her  charms.  She  was  received  by  the  emir  and  Habib  with 
every  mark  of  respect  that  became  her  sex  and  quality.  Ami- 
rala  and  Dorathil-goase  also  gave  her  a kind  and  familiar  wel- 
come. 

Salamis  had  a nephew,  the  son  of  his  brother,  called  Saphey, 
a young  and  promising  warrior.  The  emir  resolved  to  bestow 
his  hand  on  Yemana,  creating  him  at  the  same  time  emir  oi 
the  tribe  of  Kleb.  Yemana  accepted  this  new  mark  of  favor 
with  suitable  gratitude ; and  a remission  of  their  tribute  was 
the  royal  present  at  the  nuptials. 

New  festivities  followed  this  happy  event,  which  effaced 
every  vestige  of  slavery  from  the  tribe  of  Kleb.  The  knights 
who  had  followed  their  princess  were  quite  astonished  at  a re- 
ception so  gracious. 

Knights,”  said  their  new  sovereign,  it  is  thus  that  a faith- 
ful Mussulman  takes  revenge  on  his  enemies.  From  this  day 
let  the  people  be  less  disaffected  to  laws  which  are  productive 
of  so  many  worthy  actions.  Henceforth  let  the  tribe  of  Kleb 
renounce  their  ignorance  and  ferocity.  They  ought  no  longer 
to  admire  heroes  like  Zir,  whose  sole  merit  depends  on  strength 
and  violence  ; and  who  think  themselves  only  great  in  so  far 
as  they  can  strike  terror.”  After  the  departure  of  Yemana  and 
her  husband  to  their  camp,  Dorathil-goase  and  Habib  felt  some 
impatience  to  return  to  their  own  states,  to  succor  the  people, 
who  had  not  yet  recovered  from  the  terror  occasioned  by  the 
tyranny  of  Abarikaff. 

Salamis  knew  too  well  the  duties  of  a king  to  oppose  their 
intention,  or  require  the  sacrifice  of  their  people’s  happiness 
for  his  private  satisfaction. 

A day  was  fixed  for  the  departure  of  Habib  and  his  spouse. 
It  was  agreed  that  they  should  return  to  the  little  retreat  where 
they  first  arrived,  and  go  from  thence,  secretly,  by  the  same 
means  of  conveyance  they  had  employed  in  coming  thither. 

Salamis  and  Amirala  would  gladly  have  accompanied  them 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


♦38 

that  they  might  enjoy  their  presence  as  long  as  possible  ; but 
this  would  have  made  too  much  noise.  There  are  many  things 
of  which  the  people  should  be  kept  in  ignorance,  and  their 
fondness  for  what  is  marvellous  often  makes  them  forgetful  of 
their  duty. 

The  youthful  pair,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  took  a most 
affectionate  leave  of  the  worthy  old  emir  and  his  spouse.  They 
concerted  means  of  communicating  with  each  other,  so  as  to 
render  their  separation  the  more  supportable.  They  mounted 
a camel,  and  being  conducted  by  the  confidential  groom,  re- 
turned to  the  retreat.  Next  morning,  before  day,  the  roc  bore 
them  through  the  air  towards  the  heights  of  Caucasus. 

Now  they  were  again  to  see  their  faithful  II  Haboul,  and 
fill  his  heart  with  joy,  by  a recital  of  their  happy  adventures. 
Habib  went  instantly  to  replace  the  talisman  in  the  treasury  of 
Solomon. 

At  the  entry  to  this  mysterious  cavern,  he  cast  his  eyes  on 
a hieroglyphic  which  he  had  not  before  remarked.  It  attracted 
his  attention  so  much  that  he  fell  into  a profound  meditation. 

These  are  emblematic  figures,’’  said  he  to  himself.  “ Here 
is  the  pure  expanse  of  heaven,  brilliant  with  light.  An  eagle 
appears  to  rise  rapidly  in  her  flight,  almost  to  the  sun’s  disk, 
while  an  enormous  serpent  creeping  over  the  rocks,  reaches  the 
nest  and  devours  the  eggs  of  the  noble  bird.” 

Habib  returned  with  a pensive  air  to  his  instructor,  and 
told  him  the  subject  of  his  reflections,  describing  what  he  had 
seen. 

“That  is  the  picture,”  said  II  Haboul;  “but  what  is  the 
moral  of  it  1 ” “ Methinks  I comprehend  it,”  said  Habib. 

“ By  aspiring  to  too  great  an  elevation,  we  are  in  danger  of 
being  flushed  with  prosperity,  and  of  losing  sight  of  our  true 
interests.” 

“ Your  answer,”  said  II  Haboul,  “ is  worthy  of  my  old  pupil. 
None  pass  the  door  of  the  cavern  of  Solomon  without  reaping 
some  instruction.  Pity  it  is  that  we  must  learn  those  maxims 
of  wisdom,  one  by  one,  and  not  all  at  once,  by  a great  and  com- 
prehensive grasp  of  thought ! ” 

They  dedicated  two  days  to  the  enjoyment  of  friendship, 
in  the  company  of  the  venerable  keeper  of  the  prophet’s  reposi- 
tories ; the  roc  then  took  his  flight  to  the  White  Isle,  and  also 
to  the  Yellow  Isle,  where  the  exertions  of  the  old  genie,  Ilbal- 
his,  had  in  some  measure  restored  an  appearance  of  pros- 
pent^. 

The  royal  pair  next  touKd  themselves  in  the  little  court  ot 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


439 


the  lady  of  the  beautiful  tresses  and  Dalilsha.  Everything  here 
announced  peace  and  abundance.  The  two  daughters  of  the 
sea  had  been  conducted  hither,  and  impatiently  expected  the 
return  of  the  hero  to  whom  they  had  so  obligingly  devoted  their 
services ; especially  Ilzaide,  who,  till  that  moment,  had  never 
experienced  the  least  ennui^  and  who  had  now  found  it  in  every- 
thing, how  much  soever  she  sought  to  avoid  it. 

Habib  and  his  queen  remained  a few  days  with  their  kind 
relations,  and  returned  to  Medinaz-il-ballor,  carrying  with  them 
Ilzaide  and  her  sister,  by  a route  through  which  their  dolphins 
could  not  follow  them. 

The  capital  islands  of  Dorathil-goase’s  dominions  had  now 
every  appearance  of  a happy  and  flourishing  state ; and  the  re- 
turn of  their  king  and  queen  completed  the  joy  of  the  in- 
habitants. 

The  youthful  couple,  who  were  still  lovers,  added  to  the 
mutual  felicity  they  enjoyed  in  each  other’s  company,  the 
pleasure  of  contributing  by  every  means  in  their  power  to  the 
interest  and  welfare  of  their  people. 

Illabousatrous,  too,  rejoiced  at  the  happiness  of  his  family, 
and  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  his  grand  project  rapidly  ad- 
vance towards  its  accomplishment. 

Every  day  produced  the  legitimate  union  of  a genie  with 
one  of  the  children  of  Adam.  He  saw  them  submit  to  a law 
which,  though  it  seemed  to  diminish  their  power,  was,  neverthe- 
less, very  beneficial  to  them. 

Soon  after  their  arrival,  it  was  agreed  that  one  of  the 
daughters  of  the  sea  should  give  her  hand  to  a kinsman  of 
Dorathil-goase.  It  was  also  proposed  that  Ilzaide  should 
marry. 

“ With  whom  ? ” cried  she ; ‘‘  there  are  no  knights  here. 
You  shall  send  me  to  Arabia ; that  is  the  country  of  heroes  ! ” 
My  charming  girl,”  answered  Dorathil-goase,  ‘‘  we  shall 
most  willingly  carry  you  there  when  we  return  to  visit  our 
worthy  parents  ; but  thou  wert  born  in  the  sea,  and  habituated 
to  that  element ; how,  then,  could  you  live  in  a country  where 
little  else  is  to  be  seen  than  vast  plains  covered  with  dry  sand  f ” 
“ Love  can  make  every  place  agreeable,”  returned  Ilzaide  with 
vivacity ; ‘‘  even  the  elements  are  subject  to  its  empire.  If  the 
knight,  your  dear  husband,  had  feared  them,  you  never  would 
have  possessed  him  ; and  could  I hope  for  the  conquest  of  such 
a heart,  I think  I could  equal  the  best  knight  of  Arabia  in  res^' 
'iution  and  generosity.” 


440 


A/^AB/AAT  JV/G//TS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


THE  STORY  OF  THE  PRINCESS  PARIZADE ; OR,  THE 

TALKING  BIRD,  THE  SINGING  TREE,  AND  THE  YEL- 

LOW  WATER. 

There  was  a king  of  Persia  named  Khosrouschah,  who 
came  very  young  to  the  crown.  When  he  grew  up,  in  order  to 
acquire  a knowledge  of  mankind,  he  determined  to  adopt  the 
practice  of  mingling  with  society  occasionally,  in  disguise,  at- 
tended only  by  his  vizier.  One  of  those  rambles  produced  a 
very  interesting  adventure. 

As  he  was  passing  in  the  evening  through  a street  where 
the  meaner  sort  of  people  dwelt,  his  attention  was  engaged  by 
some  loud  conversation  and  laughter.  He  perceived  a crack 
in  the  door  of  the  house,  which  he  looked  through,  and  saw 
three  very  agreeable  young  women  talking  together  with  much 
earnestness  and  mirth. 

“ Might  I have  my  wish,’^  said  the  eldest,  I would  marry 
the  sultan’s  baker : I should  then  every  day  have  the  same  ex- 
cellent bread  which  is  served  at  the  sultan’s  table  ! ” “ I,”  re- 

plied the  second,  would  choose  the  sultan’s  chief  cook  : I 
then,  no  doubt,  should  eat  of  those  nice  dishes  which  he  pre- 
pares for  his  master,  nor  should  I want  the  royal  bread  to  relish 
them.” 

After  they  had  entertained  themselves  with  their  wishes, 
they  called  upon  their  younger  sister  to  name  her  desires.  “ I 
should  wish,”  said  she,  ‘‘  to  be  the  wife  of  the  sultan  himself, 
and  make  him  father  of  a prince  whose  hair  should  be  gold  on 
one  side  of  his  head,  and  silver  on  the  other ; when  he  cried, 
the  tears  should  be  pearls  ; and  when  he  smiled,  his  vermilion 
lips  should  look  like  a rosebud  fresh  blown.”  The  extrava- 
gance of  this  wish  increased  the  mirth  of  the  young  women. 
The  sultan  laughed  heartily  at  it,  and  having  ordered  the  vizier 
to  notice  the  house,  and  summon  the  inhabitants  to  appear  be- 
fore him  at  the  divan  next  day,  he  pursued  his  walk. 

When  they  appeared  before  the  sultan,  they  were  so  ex- 
ceedingly confounded  to  hear  him  question  them  about  theii 
conversation  the  preceding  evening,  that  they  could  make  him 
no  answer.  He  told  them  that  he  had  heard  their  wishes,  and 
was  determined  to  gratify  them.  Accordingly,  he  gave  the 
eldest  sister  to  his  chief  baker,  and  the  second  to  his  chief 
cook  for  wives  ; and  they  were  married  to  them  the  same  day, 
with  such  ceremonies  as  were  suitable  to  the  quality  of  their 
husbands.  But  the  younger  sister,  who  was  very  beautiful,  was 


AJ^ABIAN  NIGHTS'  MNTETI'AINMENTS. 


44^ 


^mediately  clothed,  and  attended  as  became  a great  queen 
and  the  royal  nuptials  were  solemnized  with  all  the  rejoicings 
usual  at  the  marriage  of  the  sultan  of  Persia. 

Before  these  events,  the  two  eldest  sisters  would  have 
bought  it  great  good  fortune  to  have  become  the  wives  of  the 
sultan’s  servants  j yet  they  now  pined  with  envy  at  the  advance- 
ment of  their  sister.  They  joined  in  an  inveterate  hate  against 
the  sultaness,  which  they  agreed  to  conceal  till  some  oppor- 
tunity should  offer  to  ruin  her.  In  the  mean  time,  they  each 
came  frequently  to  pay  court  to  her,  and  always  expressed  the 
greatest  joy  at  her  exaltation. 

The  young  sultaness  really  loved  her  sisters,  and  had  no 
doubt  but  they  returned  her  love.  When  she  became  pregnant, 
they  requested  she  would  obtain  the  sultan’s  permission  for 
them  to  perform  the  office  of  midwife.  This  the  sultan  readily 
granted.  The  wicked  sisters  rejoiced  in  secret  at  this  appoint- 
ment ; they  laid  a plot  as  barbarous  as  it  was  unnatural ; and 
when  the  poor  sultaness  was  delivered,  they  conveyed  away  the 
infant  and  produced  a little  dead  dog,  which  they  said  their 
sister  had  brought  forth.  The  sultan  heard  the  account  with 
great  grief,  and  some  resentment  against  his  wife  ; which,  how- 
ever, soon  gave  way  to  the  charms  and  good  qualities  of  the 
sultaness. 

The  merciless  sisters  conveyed  the  child,  who  was  a fine 
boy,  into  a basket,  and  set  it  afloat  on  a stream  which  ran 
through  the  royal  garden.  The  intendant  of  the  gardens,  who 
was  one  of  the  most  considerable  officers  of  the  kingdom, 
chanced  to  see  the  basket,  which  he  caused  to  be  brought  to 
the  shore.  He  was  much  surprised  to  find  in  it  a fine  child. 

He  saw  that  it  came  not  far  from  the  sultaness’s  apartmerpt ; 
but  conceiving  it  neither  his  business  nor  his  interest  to  search 
into  such  kind  of  secrets,  he  contented  himself  wdth  conveying 
the  infant  home,  and  as  he  had  no  children  of  his  own,  he  de- 
’ termined  to  adopt  the  little  foundling. 

The  year  after  the  sultaness  was  brought  to  bed  of  another 
prince,  whom  her  vile  sisters  conveyed  as  before,  and  produced 
a cat  as  their  sister’s  offspring.  It  was  with  difficulty  the  sultan 
prevailed  on  himself  to  see  his  unfortunate  wife,  after  this 
gecond  accident ; but  when,  after  having  again  received  her  to 
his  arms,  she  produced  a mole— which  her  sisters  had  substi- 
tuted in  the  place  of  a beautiful  princess — the  sultan  set  no 
bounds  to  his  indignation.  She  is  a monster,”  said  he,  with 
equal  fMry  and  detestation,  and  will  fill  my  palace  with  mon- 
1 will  rid  the  world  of  her.”  By  the  interposition  oi  thj 


442 


ARABIAIsr  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


vizier,  the  sultan  was  induced  to  spare  the  life  of  his  unhappy 
spouse,  yet  he  ordered  her  to  be  exposed  three  days  to  public 
scorn,  and  then  shut  up  in  prison  for  the  rest  of  her  life. 

The  two  infants  fortunately  fell  into  the  same  humane 
hands  which  had  preserved  their  brother.  The  intendant 
named  the  eldest  prince  Bahman  ; the  other,  Perviz ; and  the 
princess,  Parizade.  He  regarded  them  as  children  sent  to  him 
by  Providence  ; he  attached  himself  to  them  entirely ; he 
watched  over  their  rising  years  with  the  solicitude  of  a real 
parent,  and  when  he  died,  which  was  not  till  they  had  nearly 
arrived  at  maturity,  he  left  them  his  whole  fortune ; and  they 
lamented  him  with  a duty  and  affection  truly  filial. 

The  fortune  they  inherited  from  their  foster-father  enabled 
the  princes  and  their  sister  to  live  together  very  comfortably. 
They  passed  their  time  wholly  at  a country  residence  which  he 
had  fitted  up  in  a handsome  style.  The  princes  devoted  many 
of  their  hours  to  hunting ; while  Parizade  cultivated,  by  turns, 
elegant  amusements  and  domestic  employment. 

As  there  was  no  mosque  in  the  neighborhood,  the  intendant 
had  fitted  up  an  oratory  in  the  house.  One  day,  when  the  princes 
were  engaged  in  their  sport,  an  old  woman,  who  professed 
public  and  extraordinary  piety,  came  to  the  gate,  and  desired 
leave  to  go  in  and  say  her  prayers,  it  being  then  the  hour  of 
public  worship.  She  was  admitted,  and  when  she  had  finished 
her  devotions,  was  introduced  to  the  princess. 

Parizade  received  her  with  great  kindness,  commending 
her  piety,  and  asking  her  many  questions  respecting  her  way 
of  life.  A long  conversation  ensued,  in  the  course  of  which 
the  princess  casually  asked  her  how  she  liked  the  house. 

It  is  in  everything  delightful,^’  replied  the  devotee ; and 
wants  but  three  things,  that  I know  of,  to  be  absolutely  com- 
plete.” *•’1  conjure  you,  my  good  mother,”  said  the  princess,  “ to 
tell  me  what  those  three  things  are  ! ” Madam,”  answered 
the  old  woman,  ‘‘  the  first  is  a talking  bird,  who  not  only  can 
talk  and  reason  like  us,  but  as  a bird  can  call  all  the  singing 
birds  in  his  neighborhood  to  come  and  join  in  his  song.  The 
second  is  the  singing  tree,  the  leaves  of  which  are  so  many 
mouths,  which  form  a most  harmonious  concert.  The  third  is 
the  yellow  water,  a small  quantity  of  which  being  put  into  a 
basin  fills  it  and  forms  a beautiful  fountain,  which  continually 
plays  without  overflowing.  These  things  are  to  be  obtained  alto- 
gether at  one  place  only,  on  the  confines  of  this  kingdom  to- 
wards India.  Any  one  taking  the  road  before  your  house  for 
twenty  days,  will  find  a person  who  can  direct  him  to  the  place 


ARABIAJV  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


443 

where  they  may  be  found/’  Having  said  this,  she  arose  and 
bade  the  princess  farewell. 

This  conversation  had  a great  effect  on  Parizade  ; she  en- 
tertained the  most  eager  desire  to  obtain  these  curiosities. 
She  was  musing  on  the  conversation  with  the  old  woman,  when 
her  brothers  returned,  and  wondered  to  see  her  pensive  and 
melancholy.  They  inquired  eagerly  what  it  was  that  af- 
flicted her.  It  was  a long  time  before  the  princess  would  ex- 
plain the  mystery ; but  at  last  overborne  by  their  importuni- 
ties, she  told  them  what  had  passed,  and  owned  that  her  de- 
sire to  be  mistress  of  the  talking  bird,  the  singing  tree,  and  the 
yellow  water,  was  the  cause  of  her  melancholy. 

The  princes  both  loved  their  sister  with  the  utmost  affection. 
Each  eagerly  offered  to  go  in  search  of  these  fine  things  she  so 
much  longed  for.  After  some  contest  it  was  agreed  that  Prince 
Bahman  should  set  off  next  morning  in  search  of  them.  When 
he  was  about  to  mount  his  horse,  he  presented  a knife  to  his 
sister,  saying,  “ I know  not  what  difficulties,  or  what  delay  I 
may  meet  with  in  this  adventure  ; but  that  my  dearest  sister 
may  not  have  unnecessary  fears  on  my  account,  I present 
this  knife  to  her.  While  the  blade  of  it  is  clean,  you  may  be 
assured  I am  well,  but  if  ever  you  find  it  stained  with  blood,  you 
may  conclude  some  fatal  accident  hath  befallen  me.” 

Prince  Bahman  took  the  road  to  India,  and  on  the  twentieth 
day  he  saw  a dervis,  sitting  under  a tree,  whose  figure  attracted 
his  notice.  His  hair  was  white  as  snow ; his  mustaches  were 
long,  and  with  his  beard,  which  reached  down  to  his  waist, 
entirely  hid  his  mouth.  He  had  no  clothes,  but  had  an  old 
mat  thrown  over  his  shoulders. 

Bahman  concluded,  from  the  singularity  of  this  old  man’s 
appearance,  that  he  was  the  person  who  was  to  give  information 
of  the  place  he  was  in  search  of.  He  alighted,  therefore,  from 
his  horse,  and  saluted  the  old  man. 

The  dervis  returned  his  salute,  but  his  mustaches  hanging 
over  his  lips,  the  prince  could  not  understand  a word  he  said. 
Bahman,  vexed  at  this  disappointment,  with  a pair  of  scissors 
cut  away  the  hair  which  hung  over  the  old  man’s  mouth,  which 
he  took  in  good  part.  After  thanking  the  prince  with  a smile 
for  the  trouble  he  had  taken,  he  inquired  if  he  could  be  of  any 
service  to  him.  “I  am  come,”  said  Bahman,  “a  long  way  in 
search  of  the  talking  bird,  the  singing  tree,  and  the  yellow 
water.  If  you  can  direct  me  where  they  are  to  be  found,  you 
will  render  me  much  service  and  pleasure.” 

At  these  words  the  old  man  changed  countenance,  and  said 


444  ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 

to  the  prince,  I can  indeed  direct  you  to  where  these  fatal 
curiosities  are  to  be  found  ; but  I felt  a regard  for  you  as  soon 
as  I saw  you,  which  your  kindness  to  me  has  increased.  I 
entreat  you,  therefore,  to  cease  an  inquiry  which  I am  not  at 
liberty  to  refuse  answering,  if  you  persist,  but  which  I am  too 
sure  will  end  in  your  destruction.’’ 

The  prince  persisting  in  his  resolution,  the  dervis  said  : 
“ Young  man,  the  danger  you  court  is  greater  than  you  im- 
agine ; many  gallant  gentlemen  have  I directed  in  this  search, 
who  have  all  perished.  Your  courage  or  dexterity  will  avail 
you  notliing ; for  you  will  be  attacked  by  great  numbers,  all 
invisible.  How  then  can  you  hope  to  defend  yourself  ? ” 
am  not  to  be  intimidated  from  my  purpose,”  replied  Bah  man  ; 

and  since  you  are  obliged  to  give  me  the  information  I require, 
I demand  it  of  you.” 

When  the  dervis  saw  the  prince  thus  peremptory,  he  took 
a bowl  out  of  the  bag  that  lay  by  him,  and  presented  it  to  him, 
saying,  Mount  your  horse,  then,  rash  youth,  and  throw  this 
on  the  ground.  Follow  it  till  it  comes  to  the  foot  of  a moun- 
tain, where  it  will  stop.  You  must  then  alight,  and  ascend  the 
mountain  on  foot ; but  be  careful  not  to  give  way  to  fear,  or  to 
look  behind  you.  The  instant  you  do,  you  will  cease  to  be  a 
man,  and  will  add  one  more  to  the  multitude  of  black  stones 
which  you  will  see  on  every  side  ; all  of  which  were  once 
gentlemen  engaged  in  the  sam^  enterprise.  If  you  reach  the 
summit  of  the  mountain,  you  will  obtain  the  curiosities  you  in- 
quire after.” 

The  prince  rejoiced  to  find  he  was  so  near  the  end  ot  Ins 
journey.  Having  returned  thanks  to  the  dervis,  he  threw  down 
the  bowl,  which  rolled  on  gently  before  him  till  it  reached  the 
foot  of  a mountain.  Bahman  prepared  to  ascend  it,  but  he 
had  not  advanced  four  steps  before  he  heard  innumerable 
voices,  bursting  out  as  it  seemed  from  under  the  earth.  Of 
these,  some  ridiculed,  some  abused,  and  others  threatened  him. 
‘‘  Where  is  that  rash  youth  going  ? What  would  he  have  ? 
Stop  him,  catch  him ; ah ! thief,  murderer,  villain  ! No ! let 
the  fool  go  on  till  he  is  destroyed.  Let  pretty  master  pass,  to 
be  sure  : we  keep  the  bird  for  him,  no  doubt ! ” Such,  and 
many  other  worse  expressions  assailed  him,  in  voices  calcu- 
lated to  inspire  shame,  anger,  and  dismay. 

As  the  prince  advanced,  the  clamor  increased,  attended 
with  execrations  and  threatenmgs  on  all  sides.  It  became  at 
last  so  tremendous,  that  Bahman’s  courage  and  strength  failed 
him  ; his  legs  sunk  under  him,  he  reeled,  his  recollection  for- 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS'’  ENTERTAINMENTS, 


445 

50ok  him,  and,  turning  round  to  run  down  the  hill,  he  was  at 
that  instant  changed  into  a black  stone. 

Prom  the  time  of  Prince  Bahman’s  departure,  Parizade  had 
worn  his  knife  in  her  girdle  ; and  many  times  in  a day  she 
pulled  it  out  to  know  how  it  fared  with  her  brother.  On  the 
fatal  day,  when  he  was  thus  metamorphosed,  as  she  was  talk- 
ing to  her  brother  Perviz,  she  recollected  Bahman  ; and  pull- 
ing out  the  knife,  she  saw  with  grief  and  horror,  blood  running 
down  to  the  point  of  it.  She  swogned  away  at  the  shocking 
sight ; and  when  she  was  with  difficulty  recovered,  she  broke 
out  in  the  severest  self-reproach  for  having  engaged  a beloved 
brother  in  such  an  unfortunate  enterprise.  And  while  she 
blamed  her  own  inordinate  desires,  she  failed  not  to  execrate 
the  old  woman,  whose  report  had  led  her  into  so  mischievous 
an  error. 

Prince  Perviz  was  greatly  afflicted  at  the  fate  of  his  brother. 
He  was  also  exceedingly  fond  of  his  sister;  and  perceived 
that  in  the  midst  of  her  sorrow,  though  she  lamented  the  loss 
of  Bahman,  her  desire  to  possess  the  talking  bird,  and  singing 
tree,  and  the  yellow  water,  was  still  undiminished.  He  em* 
braced  Parizade  with  great  affection,  and  told  her  that,  though 
Bahman  had  failed  in  search  of  them^  he  had  a presenti- 
ment that  he  should  be  more  successful.  He  presented  her 
with  a necklace  consisting  of  an  hundred  pearls,  and  said,  ‘‘  I 
will  set  out  this  instant.  While  the  pearls  continue  to  run 
freely,  you  may  be  sure  I am  safe  ; but  if  ever  they  remain 
fixed  together,  you  will  then  know  that  I have  shared  the  same 
fate  as  our  dear  brother.’’ 

Parizade  endeavored,  by  tears  and  entreaties,  to  prevent 
the  prince  from  attempting  so  dangerous  an  undertaking ; but 
in  vain.  He  mounted  his  horse,  and  on  the  twentieth  day 
arrived  at  the  place  where  -the  dervis  was  sitting.  He  saluted 
him,  and  inquired  the  way  to  the  curiosities  he  was  seeking. 
The  dervis  acquainted  him  with  the  difficulty  and  danger  of 
the  adventure  ; pressing  him  very  earnestly  to  decline  an 
attempt  in  which  so  many  had  failed.  When  he  found  the 
prince  was  determined  to  go  on,  he  gave  him  the  same  advice 
and  instruction  he  had  given  to  his  brother.  Perviz  returned 
him  thanks,  and  throwing  the  bowl  on  the  ground,  he  followed 
it  till  he  came  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain. 

Having  alighted,  he  paused  a little  while  to  recollect  the 
instructions  of  the  dervis.  He  then  passed  through  those 
clamors,  which  had  overcome  Bahman,  undismayed ; but  as  he 
proceeded  up  the  mountain,  he  heard  a voice  behind  him  call 


446  ARABIAN  NIGHTS'^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

out  in  a most  insulting  tone,  Stay,  rash  boy,  that  I may 
punish  your  impudent  attempt ! ” Perviz,  enraged  at  such 
an  affront,  drew  his  sword,  and  turning  round  to  chastise  the 
insulter,  became  a stone. 

Parizade  had  the  string  of  pearls  continually  in  her  hand, 
from  the  time  Perviz  set  out,  and  was  counting  them  at  the 
moment  he  underv^^ent  the  transformation.  On  a sudden  she 
found  she  could  not  separate  the  pearls.  As  the  princess 
had  resolved  what  to  do,  if  such  an  event  should  take  place, 
she  lost  no  time  in  fruitless  grief ; but  putting  on  a man’s 
apparel,  she  mounted  a horse,  and  took  the  same  road  her 
brothers  had  gone. 

On  the  twentieth  day  she  came  to  the  dervis ; who,  not- 
withstanding her  disguise,  knew  her  to  be  a woman,  and  gave 
her  such  an  account  of  the  difficulty  of  her  attempt,  as  almost 
shook  her  resolution.  She  mused  a short  time ; but  remem- 
bering she  had  lost  her  two  brothers  in  searching  after  these 
rarities,  she  resolved  to  succeed,  or  share  in  their  misfortunes. 

Parizade  received  therefore  the  bowl  from  the  dervis,  and 
followed  it  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  Before  she  began  to 
ascend  it,  she  considered,  that  as  the  greatest  danger  arose 
from  noises  and  voices  which  would  endeavor  to  terrify  her,  if 
she  could  shut  out  these  sounds  by  stopping  her  ears,  their 
effect  must  fail.  Accordingly,  she  stuffed  her  ears  full  of 
cotton,  and  began  to  ascend  the  mountain.  She  heard  indeed 
a great  noise,  which  increased  exceedingly  as  she  advanced, 
and  became  at  length  so  loud  that  the  air  and  earth  seemed  lo 
shake  with  it ; but  the  precaution  she  had  taken  shut  out  dis- 
tinct sounds,  and  all  she  perceived  was  one  confused  noise, 
which  no  way  incommoded  her. 

Now  and  then  a single  voice,  louder  than  the  rest,  would 
utter  expressions  of  which  she  could  not  help  catching  a few 
words,  which  were  very  disagreeable  to  her ; but  these  she 
despised,  saying  to  herself,  I mind  not  what  is  said.  I laugh 
at  it,  and  shall  pursue  my  journey.’’ 

At  last  the  princess  came  in  sight  of  the  bird.  At  that 
instant  one  of  the  cotton  plugs  fell  out  of  her  ear.  The  threat- 
en ings  and  execrations,  which  she  now  heard  distinctly,  were 
terrible.  The  bird  himself,  in  a voice  more  tremendous  than 
all  of  them,  called  out  to  her  to  go  back,  promising  at  the 
same  time  that  she  should  return  in  safety.  But  the  sight  of 
the  bird  animated  the  courage  of  the  princess.  She  pressed 
forward  boldly,  till  she  came  to  the  top  of  the  mountain,  when 
the  noises  ceased,  and  the  ground  was  level.  She  ran  to  the 


ARABIAN-  NIGHTS'  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


<47 

cage  and  seized  it,  saying,  Bird,  I have  got  thee  in  spite  of 
thee.  Thou  shalt  not  escape  me.’^ 

The  bird  in  a very  handsome  manner  complimented  the 
princess  on  her  courage  and  perseverance.  “ It  was  my  wish,’’ 
said  he,  to  have  continued  free  ; but  as  I must  be  a slave,  I 
had  rather  be  so  to  you,  brave  lady,  than  to  any  other.  From 
this  instant  I swear  an  entire  fidelity  to  you  ; and  the  time  is 
not  far  off  when  I shall  do  you  an  essential  service.” 

Parizade  rejoiced  greatly  at  her  success  ; for  the  fatigue 
and  terror  she  had  undergone  far  exceeded  what  she  had  ex- 
pected from  the  report  of  the  dervis.  As  soon  as  she  was  a 
little  recovered,  she  demanded  of  the  bird,  where  the  singing 
tree  and  yellow  water  were  to  be  found.  The  bird  directed 
her  to  both.  The  princess  filled  a small  silver  flagon  with  the 
water,  and  by  the -advice  of  the  bird,  broke  off  a branch  of  the 
singing  tree  to  carry  home  with  her. 

Parizade  had  now  obtained  the  three  things  she  so  much 
wished  for ; yet  she  was  unhappy.  The  loss  of  her  brothers 
sat  heavy  at  her  heart.  She  applied  to  the  bird  to  know  if  it 
was  possible  to  dissolve  the  enchantment.  It  was  with  much 
reluctance  that  the  bird  answered  this  inquiry  ; but  the  prin- 
cess was  peremptory,  and  could  not  be  denied. 

“Take,  then,”  "said  he,  “ that  little  pitcher  you  see  yonder, 
and  drop  some  of  the  water  it  holds  upon  every  black  stone. 
The  princess  did  so  ; and  when  the  Vv^ater  fell  on  the  stone,  it 
vanished,  and  a man  appeared.  The  princess  took  care  not  to 
miss  a single  stone.  She  was  so  happy  as  to  find  among  them 
both  her  brothers,  who  joined  the  other  gentlemen  in  thanking 
and  extolling  their  deliverer. 

When  they  came,  on  their  return,  to  the  cave  of  the  dervis, 
they  found  he  was  dead.  In  a few  days  they  arrived  at  home, 
when  Parizade  placed  the  cage  in  the  garden,  and  as  soon  as 
the  bird  began  to  sing,  he  was  surrounded  by  a great  number 
of  nightingales,  chaffinches,  linnets,  and  other  birds  of  song, 
who,  uniting  their  harmony  with  his,  produced  a wonderful 
effect.  She  planted  the  branch  of  the  singing  tree  in  another 
part  of  the  garden,  when  it  immediately  took  root,  and  became 
as  large  a tree  as  that  from  whence  it  was  gathered,  and  the 
leaves  produced  the  same  melodious  concert.  The  silver  flagon 
of  the  yellow  water  being  emptied  into  a large  marble  basin, 
increased  directly  to  such  a quantity  as  entirely  to  fill  it,  and 
form  a fine  fountain  twenty  feet  high,  which,  while  it  played  very 
beautifully,  dispersed  the  most  agreeable  odors  all  around  it. 

Soon  after  these  events,  the  sultan  of  Persia  chanced  to  be 


448  ARABIAN  mOUTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS, 

hunting  in  their  neighborhood.  The  princes  also  were  en- 
gaged in  the  chase.  As  they  knew  not  the  person  of  the 
sultan,  they  joined  his  party  without  ceremony,  and  in  the 
course  of  the  hunt  Bahman  attacked  a lion,  and  Pervdz  a bear, 
with  so  much  courage  and  agility  as  greatly  pleased  the  sultan. 
After  the  hunt,  he  conversed  with  them,  and  was  still  more 
taken  with  them.  He  declared  who  he  was,  and  invited  the 
brothers  to  court.  That  they  mightrnot  forget  the  engagement, 
he  put  three  golden  bullets  into  each  of  their  bosoms.  “ When 
you  undress,’^  said  he,  “ they  will  fall  to  the  ground,  and  their 
sound  will  remind  you  of  my  invitation.’^ 

The  princes  presented  themselves  the  next  day  before  the 
sultan,  and  were  received  by  him  with  great  distinction.  Be- 
fore they  withdrew,  they  related  to  him  their  adventure  in 
search  of  the  talking  bird,  the  singing  tree,  and  the  yellow 
water ; and  of  their  deliverance  through  the  fortitude  of  Pari- 
zade.  The  monarch  heard  their  account  with  great  pleasure. 
‘‘I  will  come  to-morrow,”  said  he,  ^‘to  see  these  rarities,  and 
converse  with  your  sister,  to  whose  courage  and  good  conduct 
you  are  so  much  indebted.” 

When  the  princes  returned  home,  and  told  Parizade  the 
sultan’s  intention,  she  consulted  her  bird  as  to  the  manner  in 
w^hich  she  ought  to  receive  him.  The  bird,  ^fter  some  general 
advice,  desired  she  would  not  fail  to  prepare  a dish  of  cucum- 
bers stuffed  full  of  pearls,  to  be  set  before  the  sultan  with  the 
first  course.  The  princess  was  amazed,  but  the  bird  persisted 
in  his  advice,  and  told  her  in  what  part  of  the  garden  she 
might  find  a coffer  full  of  pearls  suited  to  such  a purpose. 
The  princess  perceived  there  was  some  mystery  concealed 
under  this  advice.  She  caused  the  gardener  to  dig  in  the  spot 
described,  and  found  a gold  box  full  of  pearls.  Hence  her 
confidence  in  the  bird  was  increased,  and  she  wns  resolved  to 
do  as  he  directed. 

The  day  following,  the  sultan  came  to  the  house  of  his  un- 
known children,  and  was  received  by  them  wfith  all  possible 
respect.  He  was  more  pleased  with  Parizade  than  he  had  been 
with  her  brothers,  and  could  not  help  heaving  a sigh  when  it 
occurred  to  him  that  he  might  have  been  the  happy  father  of 
three  such  children  if  he  had  not  been  so  unfortunate  in  the 
choice  of  a sultaness. 

After  the  sultan  had  reposed,  the  princess  attended  him  into 
the  garden,  and  showed  him  the  singing  tree,  and  the  yellow 
water.  The  sultan  examined  these  extraordinary  curio-sities 
with  great  attention  and  delight.  Parizade  th«n  conducted  him 


ARABIAN  NIGHTS^  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


449 


to  a tree  where  the  cage  of  the  talking  bird  was  hung.  The 
sultan  was  surprised  to  see  such  a multitude  of  other  birds  on 
the  adjacent  tree,  all  singing  in  concert  with  the  talking  bird, 
whose  notes  were  louder  and  more  musical  than  any  of  them. 
When  they  drew  near,  the  princess  said,  My  slave,  here  is  the 
sultan  of  Persia;  pay  your  compliments  to  him. The  bird 
left  oft  singing,  and  replied,  ^^God  prosper  him,  and  prolong 
his  days.""^  To  which  the  sultan  replied,  ^^Bird,  I thank  thee, 
and  am  overjoyed  to  find  in  thee  the  sultan  and  king  of  birds."" 

At  the  request  of  her  royal  guest,  Parizade  caused  the  cage 
to  be  removed  into  the  hall,  that  he  might  converse  with  the 
bird  during  dinner.  As  soon  as  they  were  seated,  the  sultan 
took  a cucumber  out  of  the  dish,  and  cutting  it,  he  found  it  was 
stuffed  with  pearls.  He  looked  with  wonder  on  the  princes 
and  their  sister,  and  was  about  to  ask  the  meaning  of  the  mys- 
tery, when  the  bird  called  out,  Can  your  majesty  wonder  to 
see  a cucumber  stuffed  with  pearls,  and  yet  could  believe  that 
your  sultaness  was  delivered  of  a dog,  a cat,  and  a mole? 
Credulous  man ! how  have  you  abused  your  unfortunate  wife, 
who  has  fallen  a sacrifice  to  the  envy  of  her  wicked  sisters! 
These  three  young  people  are  your  children.  Their  lives  were 
preserved  by  the  intendant  of  your  gardens;  and  their  many 
virtues  and  great  accomplishments  will  make  the  remainder  of 
your  days  more  happy  than  you  deserve."" 

This  discourse  of  the  bird  excited  a variety  of  passions  in 
the  breast  of  the  sultan:  pity  for  his  unhappy  consort,  rage 
against  her  vile  sisters,  wonder  at  the  strange  and  singular 
means  of  discovering  their  guilt,  by  turns  possessed  him.  All 
these  ideas  soon  gave  way,  for  a time,  to  the  feelings  of  paternal 
love;  he  embraced  the  princes  and  their  sister  with  the  utmost 
tenderness,  and  with  tears  of  joy  owned  them  for  his  children 
and  heirs  of  his  crown. 

When  the  sultan  returned  to  his  palace,  he  gave  orders  for 
the  sisters  of  the  sultaness  to  be  brought  before  him.  As  so 
many  years  had  passed  over  without  suspicion,  these  women 
had  long  thought  themselves  secure,  and  rejoiced  in  the  suc- 
cess of  their  malicious  wickedness.  They  were  astonished  at 
being  charged  with  crimes  which  could  not  have  been  discov- 
ered now  by  any  ordinary  means.  Their  guilt  and  terror  con- 
founded them;  they  made  ample  confession;  and  the  sultan 
ordered  them  immediately  to  be  put  to  death. 

Khosrouschah  caused  his  much  injured  wife  to  be  set  at 
liberty,  and  having  informed  her  of  all  that  had  happened,  he 


450 


ABABIAN  NIGHTS’  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


ordered  their  children  to  be  introduced  to  her.  These  events 
made  the  poor  sultaness  some  amends  for  her  long  and  dismal 
confinement.  The  joy  of  the  sultan  was  inexpressible,  and  the 
rejoicings  which  followed  all  over  the  kingdom  showed  that 
the  people  were  highly  interested  in  a discovery  which  was  so 
satisfactory  to  their  sovereign. 


CONCLUSION. 

The  sultan  of  the  Indies  could  not  but  admire  the  memory 
of  his  sultaness,  w^ho  had  now  for  a thousand  and  one  nights 
entertained  him  with  these  agreeable  stories,  her  beauty,  her 
courage,  her  patriotism  in  exposing  her  life  to  his  unreasonable 
revenge,  had  long  since  obtained  for  her  the  possession  of  his 
heart.  He  determined  to  renounce  a vow  so  unworthy  of  him 
and  summoning  his  council,  he  declared  to  them  his  resolution, 
and  ordered  the  sultaness  to  be  considered  as  the  deliverer  of 
the  many  virgins  who,  but  for  her,  would  have  been  sacrificed 
to  his  unjust  resentment. 

The  news  of  this  happy  event  soon  spread  abroad,  and 
gained  the  charming  Scheherazade  the  blessings  of  all  the 
large  empire  of  the  Indies. 


THE  END. 


